Around Charleston
1 - 2 More Daily Flights to NYC - American Airlines announced they are expanding their non-stop service to La Guardia with TWO more daily flights. READ MORE
2 - West Ashley Redevelopment Underway - One of the most anticipated projects in West Ashley has officially started. The city and developers held the groundbreaking for Ashley Landing this past week. PREVIEW RENDERINGS
3 - Volvo Laying Off 5% of Workforce - The car company is making production changes at its Ridgeville plant and cutting roughly 125 jobs. READ MORE
Historic Home of the Week
172 Tradd Street - The Chisolm-Alston House, a c.1834 South of Broad, Greek Revival gem. With a grand portico with towering columns, 12-foot ceilings, and 4-inch-thick cypress doors…you HAVE to see this one.
4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 5774 sqft | $12,500,000
Liquor Liability Reform Aims to Help Small Businesses
What’s Changed
South Carolina lawmakers have updated the Dram Shop law to make it fairer for bars and restaurants.
Instead of holding one business fully responsible, each establishment now only pays its share of any alcohol-related accident.
Why It Mattered Before
Since 2017, places serving beer, wine, or liquor after 5 p.m. had to carry $1 million in insurance.
If a customer caused a crash, the business could be on the hook for the entire bill.
The Big Problem
Insurance premiums jumped between 100% and 1,000% at renewal time.
Many small restaurants and bars couldn’t afford the skyrocketing rates and had to close.
How the New Law Works
Under Bills 3497 and 244, liability is now split based on each party’s actual responsibility.
The law also adds stronger training requirements for anyone serving alcohol.
Who’s Behind It
The House and Senate agreed on the changes after months of talks.
Governor McMaster, Charleston’s mayor, and small-business groups all support the reform.
Why It Matters for Charleston
Charleston’s restaurants and bars fuel a $13 billion tourism economy each year.
The shift to shared liability should stabilize insurance costs and help keep local favorites open.
Free Parking for Hospitality Employees
The City of Charleston is launching a pilot program offering free 24-hour parking for hospitality workers at Union Pier Lot B (196 Concord Street).
This initiative supports the hospitality sector by testing a model that could expand in the future.
Application Process
Applications are open May 12–30, 2025, and must be submitted by business owners or general managers.
Each business may request up to 5 permits via email ([email protected]) or in person at 180 Lockwood Boulevard.
Permit Details
A total of 140 permits will be issued at $15 each (non-refundable if canceled or revoked).
Lost permits incur a $100 replacement fee; parking is free but spaces are first-come, first-served.
Permit Flexibility
Permits are not vehicle-specific and may be shared among employees.
Employers are responsible for distributing and collecting permits to ensure proper use.
Program Duration
The pilot runs from June 1 through December 30, 2025.
Transportation Support
CARTA’s HOP (Hospitality on Peninsula) route has been reinstated with pickups at Union Pier Lot B.
The shuttle provides easy access for workers traveling across the Peninsula.
2010 Culver Ave, Charleston, SC 29407
3 beds | 1.5 baths | 1306 sqft
$500,000
Welcome to 2010 Culver Drive—an adorable brick bungalow just 5 miles from downtown Charleston and 1 mile to I-526, with direct access to the West Ashley Greenway! This home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, PLUS a versatile bonus room ideal for a home office, playroom, gym, or guest space (currently pictured as the primary bedroom). Step inside to find fresh interior paint, new light fixtures throughout, and an inviting open layout. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a stylish glass tile backsplash, and flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas—perfect for entertaining or everyday living. Enjoy the outdoors with a fenced-in backyard, patio area, and plenty of space for kids, pets, or weekend gatherings. Situated in a friendly neighborhood with no HOA, you'll love the convenience of being minutes from downtown, with great shopping, dining, and schools nearby.
Question: How do I get my home as the featured listing?
Answer: Email Bill ([email protected]) and ask!
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Parting Words From Bill
Prior to getting into real estate, I was a server and bartender for over 15 years across 3 cities in 3 different states, the final being here in Charleston. The two stories in this newsletter make me extremely happy. The restaurant industry is such a large part of Charleston’s appeal and current culture, and recently, they have been getting the short end of the stick. I was told that the insurance reform wasn’t everything that was needed, but a giant step in the right direction. It was a huge win for the industry to help local establishments lower their operating costs to keep their doors open. The parking initiative, while small to begin with, could blossom into something that makes a big impact. I will be keeping my eye on both very closely.
As always, thank you for reading!
-Bill
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Charleston, Bill Olson & Pirate Properties can help you. We’re fast, friendly, knowledgeable, and fun to work with. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in real estate. Click below and start viewing what's available in Charleston today, calculate your home’s value, or schedule a no-obligation, no-pressure discovery call.
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