About Us
South Carolina’s beer wholesalers operate in a unique regulatory environment that was established by the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as the federal and state governments in the wake of the repeal of prohibition. Beer wholesalers occupy the middle tier of a three-tier system established for the distribution and sale of beer. This system was designed to insulate retailers from control by suppliers, encourage moderation in consumption, guarantee full collection of state and federal taxes and permit states to impose rules and regulations on the licensed beverage industry that reflect their own practices and beliefs. This three-tier system has far exceeded its creators’ expectations. It is highly efficient and extremely responsive to local concerns. Because of the three-tier system , beer is one of the best deals in the marketplace today.
Our Mission
The purpose of the South Carolina Beer Wholesalers Association is to provide leadership which enhances the independent malt beverage wholesale industry; to advocate on behalf of its members before government and the public; to encourage the responsible consumption of beer; and to provide programs and services that will enhance members’ efficiency and effectiveness.
Our history
South Carolina’s beer wholesalers operate in a unique regulatory environment that was established by the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as the federal and state governments in the wake of the repeal of prohibition. Beer wholesalers occupy the middle tier of a three-tier system established for the distribution and sale of beer. This system was designed to insulate retailers from control by suppliers, encourage moderation in consumption, guarantee full collection of state and federal taxes and permit states to impose rules and regulations on the licensed beverage industry that reflect their own practices and beliefs. This three-tier system has far exceeded its creators’ expectations. It is highly efficient and extremely responsive to local concerns. Because of the three-tier system, beer is one of the best deals in the marketplace today.
Our board
Jim Kirkham, Chairman
Jim Kirkham is co-owner of KW Beverage, with branches in Columbia and Greenville. Serving Abbeville, Anderson, parts of Fairfield, Greenwood, Greenville, Kershaw, parts of Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, and Saluda counties. Product distribution includes Anheuser-Busch brands and numerous craft beers.
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E-mail: jim.kirkham@kwbeverage.com
Phone: (803) 799-5490
Byron Yahnis, Chairman-Elect
Byron Yahnis is President of The Yahnis Company. Serving Florence, Horry, Georgetown, Marion, Darlington, Dillon, Marlboro, Williamsburg, Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, and Chesterfield Counties. Product portfolio includes Miller, Coors, Yuengling, Heineken, Pabst, Corona, and Guinness Brewery Brands, as well as several other import, craft, and non-alcoholic brands.
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E-mail: byron.yahnis@yahnis.com
Phone: (843) 665-4748
Doug Varnadore, Treasurer
Doug Varnadore is Vice President and CEO of A. B. Beverage Co., Inc.. Serving Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Edgefield, and parts of McCormick Counties. Their distribution portfolio includes Anheuser-Busch, Bell's, New Belgium and other import, craft, and non-alcoholic brands.
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E-mail: kdvarnadore@abbeverage.com
Phone: (803) 649-6243
Murray Baroody, At-Large Member
Murray Baroody is VP of Legislative Affairs for Southern Crown Partners. Serving Bamberg, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties, they distribute a variety of Anheuser-Busch InBev Brands and other quality products.
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E-mail: mbaroody@scpdist.com
Phone: (843) 388-6800
Brad Genners, At-Large Member
Brad Genners is General Manager of Beverage South of Aiken/Columbia. Serving Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Kershaw, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, and Saluda counties. Product distribution includes Miller, Coors, Heineken, Diageo, Crown Imports, Pabst, and numerous craft beers.
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E-mail: bgenners@bsaiken.us
Phone: (803) 799-1558
Patrick Guerin, At-Large Member
Patrick Guerin is President of Lee Distributors. Serving Charleston, Beaufort, Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton and Jasper counties. Product distribution includes Molson Coors, Yuengling and numerous imports and craft beers.
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E-mail: pguerin@reyesholdings.com
Phone: (843) 695-4600
Larry Lyles, At-Large Member
Larry Lyles is the President of Carolina Beer Company. Serving Anderson, Greenwood, Oconee, Abbeville, Pickens and Greenville Counties. Product distribution includes Molson Coors, Heineken, Sam Adams and numerous other brands, imports and craft beer products.
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E-mail: wllyles3@aol.com
Phone: (864) 225-1668
Lance S. Boozer, Esq., Executive Director
Candice C. Spencer, Director of Operations