Surprising South Carolina laws, including the consequences of purchasing silverware on Sundays

Some of South Carolina's most unusual laws limit pinball play based on age and prohibit dancing past a certain time.

Surprising South Carolina laws, including the consequences of purchasing silverware on Sundays
Surprising South Carolina laws, including the consequences of purchasing silverware on Sundays

It's illegal to play pinball if you're under 18 in South Carolina.

One of the Palmetto State's peculiar regulations that remains in effect is this one. Other laws include restrictions on dancing, shopping on Sundays, and more.

Take a look at a few of South Carolina's bizarre laws.

Couple playing pinball, South Carolina and American flag in the background
One of South Carolina's strange laws prevents kids from playing pinball. (iStock)

If you're at least 18, you can participate in the popular arcade game on the South Carolina boardwalk if you stumble upon a pinball machine.

According to Section 63-19-2430 in South Carolina's Children's Code, it is illegal for minors under the age of eighteen to play a pinball machine.

The game's invention coincided with the old law, which classified it as gambling.

Despite being a law in South Carolina, it is not consistently enforced across the state.

In South Carolina, it is illegal to use the promise of marriage to deceive a woman.

A man holding an engagement ring in an open box
In South Carolina, don't promise marriage unless you mean it; it's the law. (iStock)

The South Carolina Code Section 16-15-50 outlines a law that applies to males over the age of 16 and can result in imprisonment if violated.

The law states that a man who deceives and promises marriage to an unmarried woman in this State and is over sixteen years old is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, he must be fined at the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than one year.

If you enjoy dancing the night away, avoid staying up late in South Carolina.

On Saturdays, dance venues in the state are closed from 12 a.m. on Saturday until Sunday.

The law regarding amusement and athletic contests can be found in Title 52 of South Carolina's Code of Law.

DJ booth at a nightclub
In South Carolina, it's against the law for dance venues to be open on Sundays. (iStock)

It is illegal to keep a public dancing hall open or allow people to enter or stay there between certain hours on weekends.

The penalty for violating this rule is a fine ranging from $10 to $15 for the first offense, with the fine escalating to between $50 and $100 for repeat offenders, or 30 days in jail.

The location of dance halls is also specified in South Carolina law.

Section 52-13-20 of state law prohibits dance halls from being situated within one fourth of a mile of a church or cemetery.

If you need a new silverware set, building supplies, or a musical instrument on a South Carolina Sunday, you may be unable to find them due to a state law.

The sale of certain items, including silverware, is illegal on Sunday,

Sundays, holidays, and other special days are subject to specific regulations under Title 53 of South Carolina's code.

It is illegal to sell many items on the first day of the week under Section 53-1-60.

Woman checking out at a boutique
In-store transactions are limited on Sundays in South Carolina, with many businesses closed. (iStock)

It is illegal to sell certain items, including clothing and accessories, housewares, appliances, tools, and sporting goods, among others.

According to Section 53-1-40, working on Sunday is illegal.

According to South Carolina law, on Sundays, it is illegal for anyone to work, conduct business, or sell goods and services, except for work of necessity or charity.

by Ashlyn Messier

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