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!

​​ Fees​

  • Non-refundable filing fee: $300 (Due at the time your application is submitted)
    License fee: $600 (​Due every two years with li​cense renewal)
    • You must pay a prorated amount of the license fee after your On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit application has been approved by the SCDOR.

License requirements

  • You must first have a valid South Carolina Retail License. If you have not yet applied for a Retail License, get started here.
  • You must submit a completed Application for Retail Beer, Wine, and Liquor (ABL-9​​​01), 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 have an advertisement run in an approved newspaper that notifies the public that you have applied for an alcohol license. See Required Signs & Notices below for more information.
  • You are required to maintain functioning, sanitary restrooms available for patrons of your business during all hours of operation.
  • You must submit a copy of the lease, deed, document from a local government such as a municipality, 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​ form (ABL-977).
  • No person may have direct or indirect ownership, influence, or financial interest in more than one of the following entities: a manufacturer, a distributor, or a retailer of beer or wine.

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

  • Application for Retail Beer, Wine, and Liquor (ABL-90​1) – Select On-Premises Beer & Wine (PBW)
  • Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States – Applicant and Principals (ABL-920)
  • Applicant and Principal Consent and Waiver (ABL-946​)
    • ​​If you’re applying on MyDORWAY, the ABL-920 and ABL-946 are part of the online application, and you do not need to submit or attach paper copies.
  • ABL Lease Supplemental Information (ABL-977)
    • If applying on MyDORWAY, scan and upload the ABL-977 as an attachment.​​

As part of the application process, you must notify the public of your application by running an advertisement in an approved newspaper.​ The SCDOR will notify SLED to post a sign at your business location.

SLED sign posting

  • ​A SLED agent must post and remove a sign at the proposed place of business.
  • This sign must remain posted for at least 15 days and may be removed only by the SLED agent.
    • If the sign disappears before the SLED agent removes it, contact the SCDOR or SLED immediately.

Newspaper legal advertisement 

  • You are required to notify the public of ​your application by placing a legal advertisement in an SCDOR-approved newspaper for your area at least once a week for three consecutive weeks.
    • See the ​Approved Newspapers for ABL Legal Advertisements list (​ABL-32)​.
      • ​If you submit your legal advertisement in a non-approved newspaper, you will be required to re-run an advertisement in an approved newspaper.
  • The legal advertisement must:
    • state the type of license applied for and the exact location of the proposed business
    • be posted in the legal notices section of the approved newspaper, or an equivalent section if the newspaper has no legal notices section
    • be in large type and cover a space of one column wide and at least two inches deep
  • You must submit an Affidavit of Publication from the newspaper running the legal advertisement.
    • If the newspaper does not submit the Affidavit of Publication on ​your behalf, you can attach the affidavit as part of the application on MyDORWAY.
    • The affidavit must include a copy of the advertisement.
    • The SCDOR will not issue your license until we receive an affidavit from an approved newspaper.

120-Day Temporary License

If you have assumed control of a business that sells beer and wine under a valid On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit, you must apply for your own permit. While your application is being considered by the SCDOR, you can apply for a 120-day temporary license. You must apply for the 120-day temporary license at the same time you submit the application for the permanent license. This license allows you to continue selling beer and wine for 120 days or until your permanent license application is processed, whichever is sooner. Extensions of the 120 day period will not be granted.          

  • The existing business must have a biennial On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit that has not expired, been suspended, or been revoked.
  • You must apply for a new Retail License with the SCDOR. If you have not yet applied for a Retail License, get started here​.
  • You must submit a new ABL-901 application. Whether applying on MyDORWAY or with a paper form, you must check the box indicating that you are applying for a temporary 120-day license. Your application must include:
    • your Retail License number
    • a copy of the previous business’s valid On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit
    • a copy of the bill of sale, lease, probate document, divorce decree, eviction order, or document showing how the business was acquired.
  • You will be required to place a legal advertisement in an approved newspaper for your area at least once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to receiving your Off-Premises Beer & Wine Permit. However, you only need to provide proof to the SCDOR that you have paid for this advertisement prior to receiving your temporary 120-day license. See Required signs and notices above for complete details.​​ ​

Frequently asked questions

Review the FAQs below for answers to frequently asked questions about the On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit. Our Beer & Wine and ​Operating an ABL Business​​ pages ​have ​additional helpful information.​

Yes, this license authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption on the licensed premises, as well as to go.

You are required to have liquor liability insurance if you sell beer or wine after 5:00 p.m. When you apply for or renew your On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit, you must provide a copy of your current liquor liability policy or general liability insurance policy with a liquor endorsement for a total coverage of at least $1 million.

Yes.

While no statute exists in Title 61 of the South Carolina Code of Laws addressing the permitting of a watercraft for the sale, possession, and on-premises consumption of beer and wine, the SCDOR considers a watercraft as the licensed premises. The licensed premises does not extend beyond the watercraft itself. The dock, land or lot, or outbuildings are not included as part of the licensed premises for watercraft. SC Code of Regulations 7-202.1.

Requirements necessary to permit a watercraft for the sale, possession, and on-premises consumption of beer and wine:​

  • You must provide an address, boat slip number, and name of boat to be licensed as the premises. The entity seeking a permit must have direct control of the watercraft where they will conduct business. SC Code of Regulations 7-202.1.
  • You must have a functioning restroom available for use by customers in order to meet requirements for suitability. SC Code Sections 61-4-520(5) and 61-4-520(6).
  • You must provide a designated route of travel in order to meet requirements for suitability. SC Code Sections 61-4-520(5) and 61-4-520(6).
  • Your route of travel must not venture into waters of another state or jurisdiction. This is beyond the authority of the SCDOR.


Mailing address:

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