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

Phone: 803-898-5864

Report alcohol-related violations:
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Beer & Wine

​Businesses that manufacture, distribute, and sell beer and wine are regulated by permits issued from the South Carolina Department of Revenue, and authorized under Chapter 4 of Title 61 SC Code of Laws​.

When referring to SC Code of Laws, beer and wine permits (including liquor​ licenses) are issued to three tiers of business types: Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Retailers.

TIER ONE
Manufacturers (Producers & Importers)
 brew, blend, bottle, ferment, or otherwise produce beer, wine, or other similar malt or fermented beverages. Breweries, wineries, and importers of beer or wine from outside the US are all manufacturers.

With the exception of Domestic Wineries and 7 Day Wineries, all ​Manufacturers must sell to distributors only.

​​TIER TWO
Wholesalers "Distributors"
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purchase beer and/or wine from licensed manufacturers located either inside or outside of South Carolina for distribution and resale to licensed retail businesses.

Wholesalers are the "middleman" between the manufacturer​ and retailer. A wholesaler must purchase beer and wine from a US manufacturer, importer, or primary American source of supply. A wholesaler may not import beer or wine from outside the US.

TIER THREE
Retailers 
are businesses which sell beer and/or wine directly to the consumer. On-premises retailers sell beer and wine that can be consumed at the location or purchased to-go. Conversely, off-premises retailers may only sell beer and wine to-go.

Retailers may only purchase from a wholesaler - and never directly from an importer or manufacturer, unless the manufacturer holds a Domestic Winery Permit or 7 Day Winery Permit.

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Staying compliant

Avoid a suspended or ​revoked license (S​​C Code Section 61-4-590​​)

The SCDOR has sole and exclusive power t​o suspend and revoke a manufacturer's, wholesaler's, or retailer's license. Read the regulations below to avoid a license​ suspension or revocation:​​​


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Frequently asked questions about beer and wine

In addition to the FAQs listed below, you can find more license-specific FAQs by visiting our ABL Licenses page​.​

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



Nee​​d 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 >
​​​ Still haven't created a MyDORWAY account?See the bene​fits​ of creating a MyDORWAY account and sign up today >​