CHARLESTON, SC (WCIV) — Holy City Magic has been providing entertainment in downtown Charleston for four years.
But the owner, Howard Blackwell, said he was forced to close his establishment due to rising liquor liability insurance premiums.
He said that the Magic Theater only serves beer and wine and that there has never been an incident where anyone was over-poured.
“It’s a little heartbreaking to see us close, but given the current political situation in insurance, I think it’s just time for us to move on,” Blackwell said.
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Blackwell said he was shocked to learn that Holy City Magic’s liability insurance premiums had increased 1,000% this year.
He said his team had discussed various options, but he would rather close than be forced to raise prices for his customers.
“Our goal is to put a smile on people’s faces, not to take every penny out of their pockets. That’s just not our business model,” Blackwell said.
Business owners across the state are feeling the pinch of high liability insurance premiums. South Carolina law requires any establishment that sells alcohol to have at least $1 million in liability insurance coverage.
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Blackwell is calling on lawmakers to pass sensible legislation that better supports people like him.
“We all know that South Carolina is not a particularly business-friendly state because of these problems,” he said. “I would like to see that change.”
State Rep. Jordan Pace has a similar goal.
He said passing legislation requiring more affordable insurance would be his top priority in the next legislative session.
“You should be angry and direct that anger at the deputies. Call them, tell them you want this done, and here’s my story and why it needs to be done,” said Rep. Pace of Berkeley County.
Pace said his stated goal is to maintain business operations in South Carolina.
Holy City Magic will hold its final performance on December 21st. The theater invites anyone interested to stop by during the final months.
