South Carolina preempts local ordinances regulating plastic straws and similar single-use food service items under the auxiliary container statute.
Plastic straws and stirrers fall within the broad auxiliary container definition codified in Section 44-96-460. Cities and counties cannot ban, tax, or impose fees on plastic straws, including upon-request only ordinances seen in some other states. Restaurants and retailers may voluntarily switch to paper or other alternatives, but state law prevents local governments from making such changes mandatory. The General Assembly framed the preemption around statewide commercial uniformity. Federal accessibility laws preserve the right of disabled customers to request flexible plastic straws.
Conflicting local straw ordinances are unenforceable; injunctive remedies available against the political subdivision.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. SC Code §16-17-530 applies.
North Charleston, SC
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North Charleston, SC
North Charleston permits construction during standard daytime hours. Construction activity is generally allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 6 P...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates noise under Chapter 15, Article II of the City Code. Excessive noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited, with stricter enforcem...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates on-street parking through posted signs and general ordinances. Vehicles may not be parked for more than 72 hours in the same locat...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston requires driveways to meet certain standards. Parking is only allowed on paved or approved surfaces, and vehicles may not block sidewalks or...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Charleston County.
See how North Charleston's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
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