Welcome to the New SCDOR Website

It’s still us—just with a fresh new look! The SCDOR launched our redesigned website this week, and we hope you’ll take a look around. Take a virtual tour or read some quick tips!

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Application requirements and instructions​

First, general ABL applicant requirements listed on the ABL license directory page ​to make sure you are eligible to apply.

When you’re ready to apply, we recommend submitting your application using our free online tax portal, MyDORWAY. It’s faster and easier than completing a paper application, and you don’t have to worry about mail processing or making a trip to one of our offices.​

  • After logging in, select the More tab, then click Apply for a New Alcohol Beverage License.​​
  • Don'​t have an account? Sign u​p now​​

​​ Fees​

  • License fee: $35 per calendar day an event is held. Events extending after 11:59 p.m. require an additional day’s fee.

License requirements

  • The organization applying for this permit must:
    • Be registered with the SC Secretary of State’s Office as a charity or n​onprofit organization.
    • Have a definite method of electing individual members to the organization. This method must be described in the club's bylaws and relate to the organization’s purpose.
    • Be maintained through the payment of membership dues.
    • Be managed by a board of directors, executive committee, or similar governing body chosen by the members at a regularly-held meeting on at least an annual basis.
    • Have no member or shareholder of the organization benefiting from the organization’s net earnings.
  • You must submit a completed Application for Special Event Beer, Wine, and /or Liquor​ (ABL-900), including all supplemental forms. See Required Forms below for more information. We recommend applying on MyDORWAY, but if submitting a paper copy of the application, make sure it’s signed and dated.
  • You must notify SLED at least 24 hours prior to your event by emailing them at ABLSpecialEventPermits@sled.sc.gov. You must have notified SLED of when and where your event will be taking place prior to receiving your Liquor Special Event Permit.
    • Your email should include your name, your organization’s name, and the type, address, date and time of your event.
    • On your email, copy ABL​Compliance@dor.sc.gov.
  • You must submit a copy of the lease, rental agreement, or enforceable written contract that grants you the right to use and control the licensed premises. This document must designate the specific area of the premises that will be licensed. In addition, you may supplement this document by submitting a copy of the ABL Lease Supplemental Information (ABL-977).
  • If your organization has experienced a recent change in officers or members, you must submit recent meeting minutes. If applying on MyDORWAY, we recommend submitting your meeting minutes as an attachment to your application.
  • If your event has multiple vendors, you must submit a map of the entire area identifying your location and the locations of other vendors. If applying on MyDORWAY, we recommend submitting your map as an attachment to your application.
  • ​The location must be suitable for the sale and consumption of beer, wine, and liquor in the opinion of the SCDOR.
  • This license is issued for a specific location only. Once your location has been approved by the SCDOR, you cannot transfer the license to another location.
  • We will not issue a Special Event License to a location that has a pending application for a permanent beer, wine, or alcoholic liquor license or permit.
  • Taxpayers are required to have an Admissions and/or Sales & Use tax account AND must file a return for a one-time event.

​​The fastest, easiest way to submit these forms and apply for a Liquor Special Event Permit is by using our free online tax portal, MyDORWAY. After logging in, select the More tab, then click Apply for a New Special Event Alcohol Beverage License.

  • Application for Special Event Beer, Wine, and /or Liquor (ABL-900)
    • You must file your application at least three days prior to the event.
  • ​Law Enforcement Notification for Special Event Application (ABL-100​)
    • ​If applying on MyDORWAY, scan and upload the ABL-100 as an attachment.
  • Applicant and Principal Consent and Waiver (ABL-946​​)
    • Each principal, officer, owner, member, and/or partner must complete the ABL-946.​
    • ​​If you’re applying on MyDORWAY, the ABL-946 is part of the normal application workflow. You do not need to submit or attach a paper copy of the ABL-946 if applying on MyDORWAY.

Frequently asked questions

Review the FAQs below for answers to frequently asked questions about the Liquor Special Event Permit. Our Food & Special Events​​ page ​has ​additional helpful information.​

No. The Liquor Special Event Permit is reserved by law exclusively for nonprofit organizations.

The applicant for the Liquor Special Event Permit must be a nonprofit organization. The applicant also should be the entity or individual who is responsible for the event, and should be the entity collecting 100% of the proceeds from the sale of alcohol.

Only a nonprofit organization can hold a Liquor Special Event Permit, and that organization must collect 100% of the proceeds from that event.

You may sell beer and wine at your event if you also obtain a Beer & Wine Special Event Permit.

No, bottle service of liquor is illegal.

This includes letting guests purchase a bottle of liquor that the server keeps behind the bar or places in a locker at the venue or a cage at the table.

Bottle service is commonly defined as selling a customer a full bottle of liquor and either drinking the liquor “straight” or making cocktails from that bottle at their table.

Only licensed retail liquor stores can legally sell full bottles of liquor. Restaurants may be licensed to serve liquor by the drink, but they may not sell bottles of liquor.

Mailing address:

South Carolina Department of Revenue | Alcohol Beverage Licensing | PO Box 125 | Columbia, SC 292​14-0907