Tobacco (Cigarettes, cigars, dip, chew, snuff)
Tobacco products contain the powerfully addictive stimulant nicotine. In addition to nicotine, tobacco contains other harmful byproducts including tar and carbon monoxide and other chemicals. Dangerous effects of tobacco include:

·          heart disease

·          lung cancer and other types of cancer

·          emphysema

·          chronic bronchitis

 

Is it legal for me to buy cigarettes or tobacco?
In South Carolina, it is illegal to sell tobacco products to minors under 18 years old.
Penalties :
First offense: Fine up to $25
Second offense: Fine up to $50
Third or subsequent offense: Fine more than $100 and between 60 days and one year imprisonment
S.C. Code Section 16-17-500  

 

Alcohol (Beer, wine, liquor, wine coolers and other alcoholic beverages)
Alcohol can permanently damage the liver, heart and brain. If used during pregnancy, it can severely harm the baby. If consumed carelessly, too much alcohol can even kill you. Additionally, consumption of alcohol by students on school property or during school activities is illegal and can lead to criminal penalties and sanctions at school. Some of the harmful physical and mental effects of alcohol include:

·          loss of concentration, coordination and judgment

·          inability to deal realistically with problems

·          increased aggressive behavior

·          difficulty learning and remembering  

 

What are South Carolina's laws concerning consumption of alcohol?
underage drinking : Purchasing or possessing alcoholic liquor is illegal if you are under 21.  
Penalties:
First offense: suspension of driver's license for 90 days and a fine between $100 and $200.
Second or subsequent offense: suspension of driver's license for six months and a fine between $100 and $200 or imprisonment of up to 30 days
S.C. Code Sections 20-7-8925, 56-1-746(a)

 

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open container :   To have an open container of alcohol in a moving
vehicle of any kind except in the trunk.
First or subsequent offense: Up to $100 fine or 30 days imprisonment.
S.C. Code Section 61-4-110  

 

using a fake id :   To use someone else's driver's license or personal identification card.
First offense: Up to $100 fine or 30 days imprisonment; driver's license suspended for 90 days.
Second or subsequent offense: Up to $100 fine or 30 days imprisonment; driver's license suspended for six months.
S.C. Code Sections 56-1-515(2), 56-1-515(4), 56-1-746(a)

using an altered id:   To alter a driver's license so as to provide false information.
First offense: Up to $2,500 fine and six months imprisonment; driver's license suspended for 90 days.
Second or subsequent offense: Up to $2,500 fine and six months imprisonment; driver's license suspended for 6 months.
S.C. Code Sections 56-1-515(1), 56-1-515(3), 56-1-746(a)

giving false information for the purpose of buying alcohol: It is illegal for a minor to lie to a clerk about his or her age in order to buy alcohol.
Penalty: Fine between $50 and $100 and up to 30 days imprisonment. S.C. Code Section 61-4-60                 

giving false information to a law enforcement officer: It is illegal to lie or give false information to a law enforcement officer.
First or subsequent offense: Up to $200 fine or 30 days imprisonment.
S.C. Code Section 16-17-725

If I'm under 21 can I drink alcohol at home with my parents' permission?
You can drink alcohol at your parents' home with their permission. You can also drink alcohol as part of a religious ceremony, as long as the alcohol was purchased legally. Communion is an example of a religious ceremony where it is legal to consume alcohol.
S.C. Code Section 20-7-320

 

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What is DUI ?
driving under the influence:   Operating a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.10.

         First offense: $300 fine or imprisonment between 48 hours and 30 days; driver's license suspended for six months.

        Second offense: Fine between $2,000 and $5,000; imprisonment between 48 hours and one year; driver's license suspended for one year.

        Third offense: Fine between $3,500 and $6,000; imprisonment between 60 days and three years; driver's license suspended for two years.

        Fourth or subsequent offense: Imprisonment for one to five years; driver's license permanently revoked; if the offender is the owner of the vehicle, then the vehicle can and will be confiscated at the time of arrest.
S.C. Code Sections 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, 56-5-2940, 56-5-2950, 56-5-2990, 56-5-6240

 

What does "blood alcohol concentration (BAC)” mean?
It is the ratio of volume of alcohol to volume of breath or blood. (When you drink alcohol it stays in your bloodstream for at least an hour, usually longer.) Blood alcohol content is measured by a Breathalyzer test or blood sample.  

What is a Breathalyzer test?
Police ask you to blow into a special piece of equipment that can immediately determine your BAC.