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No person, even a concealed weapons permit holder, may possess any firearm in or on:

  • The grounds of the South Carolina state capitol or within the capitol building (concealable weapons permit holders are exempt from bringing a handgun onto capitol grounds, but must leave their gun within a locked vehicle not readily accessible on the capitol grounds);1
  • Any publicly-owned building or property, without the express permission of the authorities in charge of the premises or property;2 or

Firearms are generally prohibited in a business which sells alcoholic liquor, beer or wine for consumption on the premises. Concealed weapons permit holders, however, may carry firearms, openly or concealed, in these locations, unless the property owner, holder of the lease interest, or operator of the business has posted a ‘NO CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED’ sign, or has requested that the person leave or remove the firearms from the premises. Even permit holders may not consume alcoholic liquor, beer, or wine while carrying the concealable weapon on the business’ premises.3

Persons are prohibited from possessing a firearm at any park or facility under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (“Department”), except:

  • Anyone in an area specifically designated by the Department for the use of firearms;
  • A person carrying a concealable weapon, openly4 or concealed, pursuant to state permit; or
  • A licensed hunter with an unloaded firearm in a case or the trunk of a vehicle.5

An inmate of a state correctional facility or local detention facility is prohibited from carrying a firearm on his or her person or willfully concealing a firearm within any Department of Corrections facility or other place of confinement.6

An innkeeper may refuse or deny any accommodations, facilities, or privileges of a lodging establishment to a person whom the innkeeper reasonably believes is bringing in firearms,7 and may eject such a person from the lodging establishment.8

A permit to carry a concealable weapon does not authorize a permit holder to carry a concealable weapon into any:

  • law enforcement, correctional, or detention facility;
  • courthouse or courtroom;
  • polling place on election days;
  • office of or the business meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special purpose district;
  • school or college athletic event not related to firearms;
  • daycare facility or preschool facility;
  • place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law;
  • church or other established religious sanctuary unless express permission is given the appropriate church official or governing body;
  • hospital, medical clinic, doctor’s office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures are performed unless expressly authorized by the employer; or
  • place clearly marked with a sign prohibiting the carrying of a concealable weapon on the premises, except that a property owner or an agent acting on his behalf, by express written consent, may allow individuals of his choosing to enter onto property regardless of any posted sign to the contrary.9

No state law prohibits people with or without a concealable weapons permit from carrying long guns openly into these locations, however.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned location restrictions, public and private employers retain the right to prohibit a person with a concealable weapons permit from carrying a concealable weapon upon the premises of the business or work place, or while using any machinery, vehicle, or equipment owned or operated by the business.10 Moreover, private property owners or persons in legal possession or control of private property have the right to allow or prohibit the carrying of a concealable weapon upon their premises.11 The posting of a sign stating “No Concealable Weapons Allowed” by the employer, owner, or person in legal possession or control of the property constitutes notice to a permit holder that the employer, owner, or person in legal possession or control requests that concealable weapons not be brought upon the premises or into the work place.12

Concealable weapons permit holders may not carry a concealable weapon into the residence or dwelling place of another person without the express permission of the owner or person in legal control or possession of the property.13

Permit holders are allowed to possess a firearm at an interstate highway rest area facility.14

A governing body of a county, municipality, or political subdivision may temporarily restrict the otherwise lawful open carrying of a firearm on public property when it issues a permit to allow a public protest, rally, fair, parade, festival, or other organized event.15

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  1. S.C. Code Ann. § 10-11-320.[]
  2. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420(A).[]
  3. S.C. Code Ann. §§ 16-23-465; 23-31-210 (defining “concealable firearm” as one that may be carried openly).[]
  4. S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-210 (defining “concealable firearm” as one that may be carried openly).[]
  5. S.C. Code Ann. § 51-3-145(G). See also S.C. Code Ann. § 51-13-80(A)(7) (prohibiting the carrying of a firearm on the Riverbanks Park property).[]
  6. S.C. Code Ann. § 24-13-440.[]
  7. S.C. Code Ann. § 45-2-30(A)(1)(4).[]
  8. S.C. Code Ann. § 45-2-60(4).[]
  9. S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-215(M).[]
  10. S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-220(1).[]
  11. S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-220(2).[]
  12. Id. Sign requirements for notice purposes are detailed under S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-235.[]
  13. S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-225.[]
  14. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420(F).[]
  15. S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-520(A).[]