In South Carolina, no law gives employees the right to time off to eat lunch (or another meal) or the right to take short breaks during the work day. Short rest breaks, which usually 20 minutes or less, must be paid as work time.South Carolina has no laws in place regarding breaks. Instead, the state defers to federal law regarding the provision of meal and rest breaks to employees. There is no requirement under South Carolina law for an employer to provide employees with breaks or a lunch period. Unlike some states in the US, South Carolina does not require employers to provide meal breaks and rest breaks. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day. Businesses don't have to offer a unpaid break. They do have to offer 15 minute paid breaks for every so many hours. South Carolina break laws.