If your business is open after 5 p.m. to sell beer, wine, and/or liquor for on-premises consumption, you must provide a copy of your liquor liability policy or general liability insurance policy with a liquor endorsement for an aggregate—not a per occurrence—of at least $1 million during the period of the license (SC Code Section 61-2-145).
We recommend submitting the ACORD 25 document summarizing your insurance policy to satisfy this requirement.
- The SCDOR should be listed as the Certificate Holder, so the insurance carrier knows to notify us of changes to or the termination of the policy per SC Code Section 61-2-145.
- The licensee must be the Insured and not as an Additional Insured.
View the South Carolina Department of Insurance's list of approved eligible surplus lines insurers that may offer liquor liability insurance or general liability insurance with a liquor liability endorsement.
If you hold any of these licenses and permits and are open after 5 p.m., you are required to have liquor liability insurance:
- On-Premises Beer & Wine (PBW)
- 7 Day On-Premises Beer & Wine (P07)
- Brewpub (PBB)
- Brewery (PWY)
- Domestic Winery (PDW)
- 7 Day Winery (P7W)
- Liquor Manufacturer (PML) with attribute to sell liquor produced on the premises for on-premises consumption
- Liquor Micro Distillery (PMD) with the attribute to sell liquor produced on the premises for on-premises consumption
- Business (Restaurant or Hotel) Liquor by the Drink (PLB)
- Nonprofit (Private Club) Liquor by the Drink (PLC)
- Professional Sports Venue (PSV)
- Beer & Wine Special Event (TBP)
- Liquor Special Event (TLP)
- Special (Donated) Nonprofit Event (TNL)
Licensees that qualify for the following mitigation factors may reduce their annual aggregate limit below $1,000,000.
| Mitigation factor | Reduction | Required supplemental information |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Businesses who stop serving alcohol by 12 a.m. (midnight) | $250,000 | You must provide operating hours operating for all seven days of the week. |
| 2. Businesses where all employees who serve alcohol have completed an SCDOR-approved alcohol server training program | $100,000 | |
| 3. Businesses that derive less than 40% of total sales from alcohol | $100,000 | You must provide point of sales (POS) records from the past 10 months. |
| 4. Businesses that use a forensic digital identification system to validate IDs between 12:00a.m.-4:00 a.m. | $100,000 | You must provide the make and model of the system and either proof of purchase or subscription information. |
| 5. Nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United State Code | $100,000 | You must provide the IRS exemption letter certifying your business as a 501(c)(3) |
| 6. Businesses engaged in a single special event | $500,000 | You do not have to apply for this mitigation factor when applying for a special event license. |
Minimum coverage requirements
- A permanent licensee's liquor liability insurance coverage cannot drop below $300,000.
- A special event licensee's liquor liability insurance coverage cannot drop below $150,000.
- The per occurrence coverage must be at least fifty percent of the total aggregate limit.
Licensees can submit mitigation information to the SCDOR beginning November 1, 2025:
- Current licensees who are not up for renewal can submit this information by:
- Logging into MyDORWAY
- Scrolling to their ABL account
- Clicking More Account Options
- Selecting ABL Mitigating Factors
- Renewing licensees will submit this information during the renewal process.
- New permanent license applicants will submit this information during the application process. Once licensed, they can apply for additional mitigation factors at any time.
- Special event license applicants do not have to apply for Mitigation Factor #6. The SCDOR will automatically apply this mitigation factor when processing your special event license application. However, special event license applicants must apply for other mitigation factors.
Qualifying licensees can apply these mitigation factors to their liquor liability insurance policy beginning January 1, 2026.
No one under the age of 21 may work in a liquor manufacturing, wholesale, or retail liquor store business.
- Under 18: May serve beer and wine only in sealed containers to be consumed off of the licensed premises (may not serve distilled spirits)
Restaurants and other establishments licensed for on-premises consumption must uphold the following age requirements when hiring servers and bartenders:
- Over 18 and under 21: May serve beer, wine, and distilled spirits in open containers to be consumed on the licensed premises when the alcohol has been mixed, poured, or prepared by another employee who is at least 21 years of age
- Under 21: May not mix, pour, or prepare beer, wine, or distilled spirits to be consumed on the licensed premises (Bartenders must be at least 21 years of age when hired.)
See SC Code Sections 61-4-90(D), 61-6-2200, 61-6-4070, and 61-6-4140.
Who must use a forensic digital identification system?
- Collegiate Sports Venues that sell beer and wine must use a forensic digital identification system to authenticate IDs at the point of sale (SC Code Section 61-4-523).
- Any licensee selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption between 12-4 a.m. must use a forensic digital identification system to validate the ID of anyone attempting to enter the premises (SC Code Section 61-2-145).
Approved forensic digital identification systems must scan the barcode on an identification card and:
- Review the barcode's data against a Department of Motor Vehicles database to determine that the ID card holder is of legal age to purchase alcohol.
- Analyze the barcode and the information contained for typos, jumbled or incorrect information, misplaced data, and secret coding. Digital identification systems that merely validate that the information received from the barcode matches the identification information on the front of the card will not be approved.
- SCDOR approved forensic digital identification systems
To submit a forensic digital identification system for approval, contact the SCDOR at ABL@dor.sc.gov.
- On-Premise Beer & Wine Permit (PBW) DOES NOT ALLOW FOR SUNDAY SALES TO-GO (see more)
On-Premise Beer & Wine Permit (PBW) DOES NOT ALLOW FOR SUNDAY SALES TO-GO
A PBW only allows you to sell beer and wine for on- and off-premise consumption from Monday starting at sunrise through Saturday ending at 11:59 p.m.Penalties: If you have a PBW and sell beer, wine, or both to-go on Sundays, SLED will issue you a violation for selling beer on Sunday (SC Code Section 61-4-120).
If you would like to sell beer and/or wine for on- and off-premise consumption seven days a week, you must be located in a county or municipality that has passed both the Local Option Permit and beer to-go referendums. If you are located in one of these counties or municipalities, in order to sell on Sunday, you must purchase a 7 Day On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit (PO7). The PO7 has the same qualifications as an On-Premise Beer and Wine Permit (PBW). The biennial fee for the PO7 license type is $2,200. See the Licenses page for more information.
Have questions? Contact us at 803-898-5864
Approved Sunday sales referendums
The following jurisdictions have passed referendums to allow for Sunday sales.
*When available, newly passed referendums are noted and can be clicked for more details.
LOP - Local Option Permit
P7B - 7 Day Off-Premises Beer & Wine Permit
PO7 - 7 Day On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit
| COUNTY | LOP | P7B | PO7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | YES | YES | YES |
| Allendale | YES | YES | YES |
| Anderson | YES | YES | YES |
| Bamberg | YES | YES | YES |
| Beaufort | YES | YES | YES |
| Berkley | YES | YES | YES |
| Calhoun | YES | YES | YES |
| Charleston | YES | YES | YES |
| Chester | YES | YES | YES |
| Chesterfield | YES | YES | YES |
| Clarendon | YES | YES | YES |
| Colleton | YES | YES | YES |
| Darlington | YES | YES | YES |
| Dillon | YES | YES | YES |
| Dorchester | YES | YES | YES |
| Edgefield | YES | YES | YES |
| Fairfield | YES | YES | YES |
| Florence | YES | YES | YES |
| Georgetown | YES | YES | YES |
| Greenville | YES | YES | YES |
| Greenwood | YES | YES | YES |
| Horry | YES | YES | YES |
| Jasper | YES | YES | YES |
| Kershaw | YES | YES | YES |
| Lancaster | YES | YES | YES |
| Laurens | YES | YES | YES |
| Lee | YES | YES | YES |
| Lexington | YES | YES | YES |
| Marion | YES | YES | YES |
| Marlboro | YES | YES | YES |
| McCormick | YES | YES | YES |
| Newberry | YES | YES | YES |
| Oconee | YES | YES | YES |
| Orangeburg | YES | YES | YES |
| Pickens | YES | YES | YES |
| Richland | YES | YES | YES |
| Saluda | YES | YES | YES |
| Spartanburg | YES | YES | YES |
| Sumter | NO | YES | NO |
| Union | YES | YES | YES |
| Williamsburg | YES | YES | YES |
| York | YES | YES | YES |
| CITY | LOP | P7B | PO7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken | YES | YES | YES |
| Estill | YES | YES | YES |
| Gaffney | YES | YES | YES |
| New Ellenton | YES | YES | YES |
| North Augusta | YES | YES | YES |
| Sumter | YES | YES | YES |
| Wagener | YES | YES | YES |
| Yemassee | YES | YES | YES |
Beer & Wine
The following permits allow for the sale of beer and wine on the following days and hours:
- On-Premises Beer & Wine (PBW)
On- or off-premise, 6 days a week, 24 hours a day
If located in an LOP approved County, may also sell on Sundays (on-premise only) but not between 2 a.m. to 10 am. (SC Code Sections 61-4-120 and 61-4-630) - Off-Premises Beer & Wine (PBG)
Off-premise, 6 days a week, 24 hours a day - but must stop selling on Saturdays at 11:59 p.m. - 7 Day Off-Premises Beer & Wine (P7B)
Off-premise only, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day - Only in approved counties (SC Code Section 61-4-510) - 7 Day On-Premises Beer & Wine (PO7)
Off-premise, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
On-premise, 7 days, except no on-premise sales on Sundays from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. (SC Code Sections 61-4-510, 61-4-630, and 61-6-1610) - Beer & Wine Special Event (TBP)
7 days a week, during the hours specified and approved on the ABL-100
Liquor (Liquor can never be sold between 2a.m.-10 a.m. on any day)
The following licenses allow for the sale of liquor on the following days and hours:
- Business (Restaurant or Hotel) Liquor by the Drink (PLB)
Monday - Saturday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. (SC Code Section 61-6-1610) - Nonprofit (Private Club) Liquor by the Drink (PLC)
7 days a week, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. (SC Code Section 61-6-1600) - Liquor Special Event (TLP)
Authorizes the sale of alcoholic liquors at bona fide nonprofit events for consumption between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. for the hours specified and approved on the ABL-100 (SC Code Section 61-6-1610) - Local Option Permit (LOP)
Sundays, from 12:01 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and from 10:00 a.m. to midnight.
No sales between 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sundays. (SC Code Section 61-6-1610(A)(D)) - Retail Liquor Store (PRL)
Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (SC Code Sections 61-6-1500(A)(1)(a) and 61-6-1140(5))
Must be closed on Christmas Day (SC Code Section 61-6-4160)
A violation may be issued for failure to display the following required signs:
All ABL license holders
Retail liquor stores
- ABL-570: Sales to Underage
- ABL-563: Transporting Alcoholic Liquors
- ABL-578: Purchase of Alcoholic Liquors
Breweries
- ABL-570: Sales to Underage
- ABL-563: Transporting Alcoholic Liquors
- ABL-579: Transfer of Beer, Wine, or Liquor to Underage Sign
- ABL-580: Driving Under the Influence Sign
Distilleries
- ABL-570: Sales to Underage
- ABL-563: Transporting Alcoholic Liquors
- ABL-579: Transfer of Beer, Wine, or Liquor to Underage Sign
- ABL-580: Driving Under the Influence Sign
Wineries
Alcohol pods
Alcohol pods are small containers of condensed beer, wine, or liquor which are placed into a drink dispensing machine that dispenses water (and sometimes in combination with carbonation) to produce a complete drink or cocktail. Alcohol pods are regulated by Title 61 of the SC Code of Laws and are treated and taxed as beer, wine, or liquor.
Pods containing liquor:
- may only be sold to go for off-premises consumption in a business that holds a Retail Liquor Store license.
- may be sold and served for on-premises consumption only in businesses that hold a Business Liquor by the Drink license.
- for on-premises consumption are subject to the Liquor by the Drink Tax in addition to Sales Tax, Local Option Tax, and Hospitality Tax.
- cannot be shipped directly to a consumer.
Pods containing beer or wine:
- may be sold in businesses that hold a Beer & Wine permit.
- beer pods cannot be shipped directly to the consumer.
- wine pods may only be shipped directly to a consumer if the business holds a Wine Shippers permit.
Drink dispensing machines:
- packaged by themselves may be sold in businesses that do not hold a Beer & Wine permit or Liquor license
- packaged with beer, wine, or liquor pods may only be sold as outlined below:
- packaged with beer pods may only be sold in businesses that hold a Beer & Wine permit
- packaged with wine pods may only be sold in businesses that hold a Beer & Wine permit or a Retail Liquor Store license
- packaged with liquor may only be sold in businesses that hold a Retail Liquor Store license
- are permitted to be used in businesses that hold a permit and/or license for on-premises consumption
SC Code Sections 61-4-10, 61-4-500, 61-4-747, 61-6-20, 61-6-100, 61-6-1540, 61-6-1600, 61-6-1610, 61-6-2400
Need help?
Phone: 803-898-5864
Email: ABL@dor.sc.gov
Report alcohol-related violations:
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
803-896-5591
Register your brand
Who should register their brand:
- out-of-state manufacturers selling and shipping into South Carolina
- in-state manufacturers selling and shipping out of South Carolina
Registering your brand online:
- Beer, wine, liquor, and malt products can be registered online at: productregistrationonline.com
- Variety Packs or Value Added Packages (VAPs) do not need to be registered as long as the individual alcoholic products inside the package are already registered.
See a list of approved brands at: sc.productregistrationonline.com/brands
We accept the federal Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approvals (COLA) or Formula approvals as stated in the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau's (TTB) guidelines for label approval. Federal TTB’s must be received with your registration form.
You can register your brand to more than one licensed South Carolina wholesaler as long as it does not violate any distribution agreements entered into between you and your wholesalers.
- Label changes and shipping (See when a new label registration is needed and when shipping can begin)
Label changes
- If changes made to the product fall within the TTB’s list of allowable revisions, then a new registration is not needed with the SCDOR.
- If a new COLA is issued by the TTB due to the changes, then a new brand registration must be submitted to the SCDOR.
Shipping
You can start shipping beer, wine, and liquor to South Carolina after you receive approval notice from the SCDOR and and if:- The person shipping the product must have a current certificate of registration per SC Code Sections 61-4-310 and 61-6-2850.
- The shipper must also be the American Producer or Primary American Source of supply in the United States.
- The product can only be shipped to a licensed South Carolina wholesaler. For shipments of alcoholic liquor a copy of the invoice must be submitted by the producer to the SCDCOR. Invoices can be uploaded on MyDORWAY (select Upload Requested Documents to get started), or you can mail the invoice copy.
Advertising, packaging, and promotions
- Discount pricing for on-premises consumption
Discount pricing for on-premises consumption of beer/wine (SC Code Section 61-4-160) and liquor (SC Code Section 61-6-4550)
Biennial beer/wine permit holders and biennial liquor license holders who sell beer, wine, and/or liquor for on-premises consumption may not advertise beverages:
- for free
- less than one half of the price regularly charged
- on a two or more for the price of one basis
Penalties for violations:
- Beer/Wine (SC Code Section 61-4-160): A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and will be fined no less than $100 or imprisoned for no less than three months, in the judgement of the court. A person found guilty of a violation of SC Code Section 61-6-4550 and this section may not be sentenced under both sections for the same offense.
- Liquor (SC Code Section 61-6-4550): A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction must be fined no less than $100 or imprisoned for no less than three months, in the judgement of the court.
- Prohibited drinking contests & games on-premises
Prohibited acts for beer/wine (SC Code Section 61-4-580) and liquor (SC Code Section 61-6-2230)
A beer/wine permit holder or liquor license holder (including servants, agents, and employees of the permitted and licensed) may not knowingly advertise a drinking contest or game on the licensed premises. "Drinking contest" or "drinking game" includes but is not limited to: a contest, game, event, or other endeavor which encourages or promotes the consumption of beer or wine by participants at extraordinary speed or in increased quantities or in more potent form. "Drinking contest" or "drinking game" does not include a contest, game, event, or endeavor in which beer or wine is not used or consumed by participants as part of the contest, game, event, or endeavor, but is used only as a reward or prize.Penalties for violations:
- Beer/Wine (SC Code Section 61-4-580): A violation of any provision of this section is a ground for the revocation or suspension of the holder's permit.
- Liquor (SC Code Section 61-6-2230): A person who violates any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction must be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned for no more than 30 days.
- Point of sale advertising specialties between beer/wine manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers
Regulation of practices between beer (SC Code Section 61-4-940) and wine (SC Code Section 61-4-735) manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers
A wholesaler may furnish at no charge to the permitted retailer point of sale advertising specialties.
No person or entity in the beer business on one tier may require a person or entity in the beer business on another tier to advertise a discount or special promotion (SC Code Section 61-4-940(F)).- BEER: Wholesaler advertising & distribution agreements
Beer wholesaler advertising (SC Code Section 61-4-930)
It is unlawful for a wholesaler to purchase advertising for a retailer or to participate in a joint advertising campaign with a retailer. However, a brewer or wholesaler may advertise on a retailer’s premises and may purchase program advertising from a retailer at customary rates.
Beer distribution agreements (SC Code Section 61-4-942)
Notwithstanding any existing beer distribution agreement to the contrary, a manufacturer, brewer, or importer of beer shall not:- require a wholesaler to pay or contribute marketing, advertising, or other funds for control or expenditure by the manufacturer, brewer, or importer, except a wholesaler may agree, in writing and in advance of the payment or contribution, to spend or contribute wholesaler funds for a specified marketing or advertising plan or opportunity;
- invoice or initiate electronic funds transfer payment for point-of-sale advertising specialties or other items, except a manufacturer, brewer, or importer may place an order and invoice or initiate an electronic funds transfer payment for point-of-sale advertising specialties or other items pursuant to a specific written agreement between the wholesaler and the manufacturer, brewer, or importer made prior to the placement of an order;
- WINE & LIQUOR: Retail store signs and billboards
Separate store or place of business; Retail store signs (SC Code Section 61-6-1510)
Retail dealers are prohibited from using advertisements for alcoholic liquor or wine in subject matter, language, or slogans addressed to and intended to encourage persons under 21 years of age to purchase or drink alcoholic liquor or wine.
Liquor - billboards (SC Code Section 61-6-4170)
It is unlawful for a person to advertise alcoholic liquors on billboards along public highways and streets by using any subject matter, language, or slogan addressed to and intended to encourage persons under 21 years of age to purchase or drink alcoholic liquors.Penalties for violations
A person who violates SC Code Section 61-6-4170 is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction must be punished as follows:- first offense - fine of $200 or imprisonment for 60 days
- second offense - fine of $1,000 or imprisonment for one year
- third or subsequent offense - fine of $2,000 or imprisonment for two years
- Restaurants & lodging
Restaurants - SC Code of Regulation 7-401.3(A)
If such establishments advertise, a substantial portion of its advertising must be devoted to its food services.
Hospitality Cabinets - SC Code of Regulation 7-800
A hotel, motel, or inn may not advertise, sell, or dispense alcoholic liquors, beer or wine from hospitality cabinets for free, at a price less than one-half the price regularly charged, or on a two or more for the price of one basis.
Non-alcoholic merchandise (SC Code Section 61-6-1540)
No other goods, wares, or merchandise may be kept or stored in or sold in or from a retail alcoholic liquor store or place of business, and no place of amusement may be maintained in or in connection with the store. However, retail dealers may sell:
- drinking glassware packaged together with alcoholic liquors if the glassware and alcoholic liquors are packaged together by the wholesaler or producer in packaging provided by the producer
- non-alcoholic items, other than beer or wine, packaged together with alcoholic liquors if the non-alcoholic items and alcoholic liquors are in sealed packages and are packaged together by the alcoholic liquor producer at its place of business
BEER/WINE:
- Prohibited gambling and games of chance (SC Code Section 61-4-580)
A beer/wine permit holder, or a servant, agent, or employee of the permittee, may not knowingly commit any of the following acts upon the licensed premises covered by the holder's permit: - Gambling or games of chance except game promotions including contests, games of chance, or sweepstakes in which the elements of chance and prize are present and which comply with the following:
- the game promotion is conducted or offered in connection with the sale, promotion, or advertisement of a consumer product or service, or to enhance the brand or image of a supplier of consumer products or services
- no purchase payment, entry fee, or proof of purchase is required as a condition of entering the game promotion or receiving a prize
- all materials advertising the game promotion clearly disclose that no purchase or payment is necessary to enter and provide details on the free method of participation
LIQUOR:
- Discount of alcoholic liquor and nonalcoholic items at the register (SC Code Section 61-6-1560)
(A) A retail dealer, wholesaler, or producer may offer discounts on alcoholic liquors or nonalcoholic items, listed in SC Code Section 61-6-1540(A), through the use of premiums, coupons, or stamps redeemable by mail.
(B) In addition to the provisions of subsection (A), a retail dealer may offer a discount on the sale of alcoholic liquor or nonalcoholic items, listed in SC Code Section 61-6-1540(A), at the register through the use of premiums, coupons, or stamps, so long as all costs related to the discount, including, but not limited to, printing, redemption services, and the actual cost of the discount, are provided and borne only by the retail dealer and the discount is not prohibited by any federal law. - Prohibited drinking contest and games (SC Code Section 61-6-2230)
No person licensed to sell alcoholic liquors or liquor by the drink pursuant to this article may knowingly promote a drinking contest or drinking game. For purposes of this section, “drinking contest” or “drinking game” includes, but is not limited to: a contest, game, event, or other endeavor which encourages or promotes the consumption of alcoholic beverages by participants at extraordinary speed or in increased quantities or in more potent form. “Drinking contest” or “drinking game” does not include a contest, game, event, or endeavor in which alcoholic beverages are not used or consumed by participants as part of the contest, game, event, or endeavor but instead are used solely as a reward or prize.
REDEEMING PROOF-OF-PURCHASE:
- A wholesaler may not redeem proof-of-purchase certificates for any promotional item. (SC Code Section 61-6-1300)
- A retail dealer may not redeem proof-of-purchase certificates for any promotional item. (SC Code Section 61-6-1500)
- A producer may redeem by mail proof-of-purchase certificates for non alcoholic promotional items. (SC Code Section 61-6-2980)
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Mailing address:
South Carolina Department of Revenue | Alcohol Beverage Licensing | PO Box 125 | Columbia, SC 29214-0907