Manufacturers (Producers & Importers) | South Carolina Department of Revenue

Tier one of the three-tier structure that regulates alcoholic beverages is manufacturing. Manufacturers (Producers & Importers) require licenses that authorize the production or importation of alcoholic beverages into the state.

Manufacturers are required to sell to wholesalers.

TIER TWO	TIER THREE
Wholesalers "Distributors" purchase, acquire, or import beer and wine or liquor from manufacturers located inside or outside of SC for distribution and resale.	Retailers sell directly to the consumer and are divided into two groups, indicating whether they sell beer and wine and liquor for on-premises or off-premises consumption. Retailers may only purchase from a wholesaler and never directly from a manufacturer.

There are four types of businesses that require a producer/importer license to operate:

Beer, wine, or liquor producers that operate outside of South Carolina but intend to ship into and sell in South Carolina
Contract producers, which are any producers who utilize a contractor for production of beer, wine, or liquor
Client producers, which are any third-party contractors who provide the production or manufacturing of alcohol products to an entity in SC that does not produce or manufacture all or a portion of its own alcohol products
Producers that import their alcohol products from outside of the United States

Business operations for producers and importers

Beer, wine, and liquor producers will need to apply for the following licenses and permits. You can apply for an ABL license or permit on MyDORWAY, or visit our Licenses page for more details on each license listed below:

Beer and wine producer and importer permits:
- 7 Day Winery (P7W)
- Basic Winery (PWY)
- Beer & Wine Producer or Importer (PLP)
- Brewery (PWY)
- Contracting Brewer (PWY)
- Contracting Vintner (PWY)
- Domestic Winery (PDW)
- Out-of-State Wine Shipper (PWS)
Liquor producer and importer licenses:
- Liquor Producer or Importer (PLP)
- Liquor Manufacturer (PML)
- Liquor Micro Distillery (PMD)
- Liquor Warehouse (PLW)

Only wine producers can legally ship products directly to a consumer's home address after obtaining the necessary permits listed below. There is a limit of 24 bottles per month, per resident.

We suggest applying for the following permits on MyDORWAY:

Application for Out of State Wine Shippers License (ABL-571)
This license is used to apply to ship direct to consumer. Only wine producers can legally ship products directly to consumers’ home address after obtaining both permits, and there is a limit of 24 bottles per month, per resident.
Application for Basic Winery (ABL 902)
This permit will authorize the shipment of wine produced at the winery to the homes of in- or out-of-state consumers, and there is a limit of 24 bottles per month, per resident.

Beer and liquor producers may only sell to a licensed South Carolina wholesaler.

An order can be placed online, however, the purchaser must physically go into the seller’s business to obtain the liquor. Liquor cannot be delivered to a resident of South Carolina.

Curbside pickup is also illegal.

ABL business operations

Visit our Operating an ABL Business page to see more information on the following topics:

Liability insurance
Sunday sales (authorized counties and municipalities)
Hours of operation
Required signage
Alcohol pods
Legal ages for serving
Brand registration
Advertising, packaging, & promotions

Need help?

Phone: 803-898-5864
Email: ABL@dor.sc.gov

Report alcohol-related violations:
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
803-896-5591

Licensing to manufacture, cook, and sell food products containing alcohol

The SCDOR requires you to have the following licenses depending on your food manufacturing operations. Click on a license below to see more details on how to apply and see answers to frequently asked questions.

If you are making and selling food products to retail customers, you will need a Food Manufacturer license (PFM).
If you are making and selling baked goods in bulk at wholesale, and not to retail customers, which requires you to have a large supply of liquor to manufacture your products, you will need the Special Bakery license (PBL).
If you are an establishment that does not have a Liquor by the Drink license, and only uses alcoholic liquors to cook foods (not manufacturing), you will need a Liquors Cooking license (PAL).

Frequently asked questions

If your business uses the services of another producer to manufacture beer, wine, or liquor, then your business is a contract producer.

If your business does not produce its own alcohol products and only uses the production services of a contractor, you will need to obtain a producer/importer license.

If your business manufactures its own alcohol products in addition to utilizing a contractor, and is located in South Carolina, you will need to obtain a producer/importer license and a manufacturer’s license.

Select a license from our Licensing page to view more details.

Beer or wine contract producers should fill out the Application for Registration of Beer and Wine Producer or Importer (ABL-500), along with a copy of your contract for production services with your application.

Liquor contract producers should fill out the Application for Registration of Alcoholic Liquor Producer or Importer (ABL-107), along with a copy of your contract for production services with your application.

Need more help?

Our FREE ABL Workshops are virtual and cover licensing basics, including applications and renewals, special events, and compliance laws. See class dates and register now >

Planning to host or sell goods and services at an event or festival? Get prepared with our Events & Festivals Guide >

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Mailing address:

South Carolina Department of Revenue | Alcohol Beverage Licensing | PO Box 125 | Columbia, SC 29214-0907

Tier one of the three-tier structure that regulates alcoholic beverages is manufacturing. Manufacturers (Producers & Importers) require ​​licenses that authorize the production or importation of alcoholic beverages into the state.

Business operations for producers and importers​

Required licenses and permits for producers and importers​

​​Shipping requirements and regulations​​​​

​​Internet Sales​​​

ABL ​business operations​

Need help?

Licensing to manufacture, cook, and sell food products containing alcohol

How do I know if my business is classified as a contract​ producer?

What licenses do I need to contract produce?

How do I apply for a license ​to operate as a contract producer?

Nee​​d more ​help​​​?​

Mailing address:

Tier one of the three-tier structure that regulates alcoholic beverages is manufacturing. Manufacturers (Producers & Importers) require licenses that authorize the production or importation of alcoholic beverages into the state.

Business operations for producers and importers

ABL business operations

Need more help?