Approved May 19, 2017, Section 61-2-145 was ratified and approved to the SC code of laws of 1976, concerning establishments who sell alcohol in the state of South Carolina. This new pass ratification now required all establishments to have a minimum of 1 Million Dollars of Liability insurance. This was in response to rising Drink and Driving (DUI) incidents and the deadly accidents while operating a vehicle in this impaired condition. However, this was not fully enforced until last year 2023. In result the rising costs associated with this amount of coverage drove numerous businesses to close for good, vastly negatively impacting our local economy. 

While this was taking place, Leaders of the SC Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Such as state commander James Fox were lobbying to state legislature that their organization should be exempt for such laws, because they cater to "veterans". Eventually this got passed and private veteran organization such as this were reduced to much lower amounts for liability insurance.

The argument that was presented was VFW is a private member only club and create a safe environment for Veterans to congregate. On both accounts this is false. Just one example, Veteran's Day 2020, Georgetown VFW 6444, Member/ Officer Jerry B. Lee, while under the influence of alcohol, physically assaults the post commander George Furbee. Because he was getting his butt whooped, Lee picks up a pool que ball and attempts to mortally wound the commander. As a result of this, local police were called and statements were taken. Official reports can be requested at the Georgetown, SC 29440 police station. March of 2024, at post 10420 Murrell's Inlet, SC, a member is verbally and physically attacked before ultimately being kicked out, simply because his political beliefs did not align with post leadership. This MAGA extremism was led by SC State Sr. Vice Commander Todd Haviland. With the VFW's claim of apolitical, this incident should have never happened. The incident was also reported to the National VFW, and no actions were taken. There are probably plenty of other incidents that could be discuss, but it is fairly safe to state the VFW is NOT a safe environment for all veterans. Adding to the unsafe environment alcohol and their bars are almost always promoted in their events, where their own members/ leadership has fell victim to. In a prior Facebook post  under the OIF/ OEF Veterans of Georgetown, SC; it was shown how numerous posts to include Georgetown VFW 6444 staff overserves members and individuals of the public that contribute to them getting DUIs through law enforcement stops. Just over this past Thanksgiving holiday, Post 6444 was responsible for this activity as the head bartender Maria Traverson over served an already over impaired customer alcohol before getting on the road to drive home. Local leadership, such as SC Sr. Vice Commander Todd Haviland, SC District 7 Commander Eduardo Valentin, and post 6444 Peter Klimek Jr.; all have a criminal history of either driving under the influence or alcohol related incidents. I'm sure if we widen our search to more officers, we would find numerous more to support these claims. But, these are the same individuals who promote their VFW bars, while failing to understand numerous veterans suffer from alcoholism. These named above simply compound their problems and irresponsibly push the same on others. They also do not provide oversight into the conduct of their staff, which allows the overserving of alcohol possible. Numerous VFW post also have active kitchens and provide meals for purchase. They not only actively advertise menus of food via social media and other platforms, but while participating in this purchase, gives them free access to the bar military affiliated or not outside of special social events. Thus making the VFW a public entity, no different from a local bar or a restaurant that serves alcohol.  The leadership is so arrogant and a felt of entitlement  because of their "veteran" affiliation, that they do not attempt to hide the exploitation and illegal activity. For example. They hide behind their non-charity status and say they do not need a food permit to regularly cook food on a normal basis. However, SC DHEC states, if they do more than 12 special meals a year, then a permit is required. We should also point out, VFW give very little of their income back to the veteran community. Under state law with the SC Secretary of State, it states all non-charities must file for a Charity and Raffle status, unless they file for an exemption. Numerous of these VFW posts have failed to file or fraudulently filed their annual reports. For an example, in case you not aware, Georgetown VFW 6444, operated from 2020-2023 under an expired/ suspended charity status occurring 6k worth of fines. They used your donations to pay those fines, simply because they believed the law did not apply to them. Under post commander's peter klimek's watch, he allowed this status expire. Once caught conducting illegal activity, February of 2024, he filed a fraudulent report  zero income from fundraising and zero donations. Obviously if you go back and research through public outlets, such as the local GAB news or Facebook/ google; you will discover this is a lie. Posts such as Murrell's Inlet 10420, they give less than 15 percent back to the veteran community. Therefore, these dishonest people in charge are attempting to run these "posts" like normal businesses and achieve maximum profit gain. 

After reading all this, from the endangerment of veterans within their posts, the lack of serving responsibility, and fraudulent business practices; we are asking you to sign this petition in order to go to law makers  and have their exemptions revoked, especially concerning the liability insurance under section 61-2-145. Their conduct contributes to the increased accidents and endangerment to your families on SC roadways. Georgetown and Horry counties have done their part in response to this, and have dedicated permanent prosecutors within their legal systems to prosecute those who choose to ignore the laws. While it is a personal responsibility to not drink and drive, we should also hold those accountable who contribute toward it, like the VFW who continue to hide behind their non-profit/ charity status. After we get enough signature, we will present this to our state leaders and have them held accountable for their blatant irresponsibility. Thank you for doing your part and allowing us to help you, and keep your families and friends safe on the SC roadways.