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, review the 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: $40 per calendar day an event is held

License requirements

  • The organization applying for this permit must:
    • be registered with the SC Secretary of State’s Office as a charity or Nonprofit 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 Packet for Special Nonprofit Event License​ (ABL-909​), 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 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 (Donated) Nonprofit Event Permit 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 Special (Donated) Nonprofit 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.

  • Packet for Special Nonprofit Event License ​(ABL-​909)
    • You must file your application at least 3 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 Special (Donated) Nonprofit Event Permit. Our Foo​d & Special Events​​ page ​has ​additional helpful information.​

A nonprofit organization that is receiving alcohol donations in regards to an event hosted by the nonprofit. The nonprofit must be the entity who is in control of the event, and should be the entity receiving 100% of the proceeds.

No. Only nonprofit organizations located and registered in South Carolina may obtain a Special (Donated) Nonprofit Event Permit. See SC Code Section 61-2-185 for more information.

Yes, nonprofit organizations that obtain a Special (Donated) Nonprofit Event Permit may accept the donation of beer, wine, and liquor from a licensed alcohol supplier or wholesaler. 

Use our ABL License Search tool to find a li​censed wholesale beer and wine distributor.

See ​SC Code Section 61-2-185​ for more information.

Yes. You may sell beer and wine at your event.

Special (Donated) Nonprofit Event Permit holders may only purchase beer, wine, and liquor from licensed wholesalers.

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