I don't know if it is illegal to consume alcohol while carrying in SC or not. I do know that it is illegal to carry a firearm in any establishment that serves alcohol, including a restaurant like Applebee's etc.
Also, from my understanding, while SC has a legal blood-alcohol limit of .08 for DUI, if you have any alcohol in your system and get into a wreck and someone is killed, you can be charged with felony DUI. I would assume that the wreck would have to be your fault but I am not sure about that.
Personally I don't see the big deal. To me alcohol and guns do not mix so it is only natural for me to avoid drinking while carrying. While I can see both sides of the issue I don't consider it anything to worry much about. What I do not like is the restriction on carrying a firearm in a business that sells alcohol for on-site consumption (such as a restaurant, which is where it is a major inconvenience to me). I can't carry even if I don't drink. Hopefully SC will change that part of the law soon.
Also, from my understanding, while SC has a legal blood-alcohol limit of .08 for DUI, if you have any alcohol in your system and get into a wreck and someone is killed, you can be charged with felony DUI. I would assume that the wreck would have to be your fault but I am not sure about that.
Personally I don't see the big deal. To me alcohol and guns do not mix so it is only natural for me to avoid drinking while carrying. While I can see both sides of the issue I don't consider it anything to worry much about. What I do not like is the restriction on carrying a firearm in a business that sells alcohol for on-site consumption (such as a restaurant, which is where it is a major inconvenience to me). I can't carry even if I don't drink. Hopefully SC will change that part of the law soon.