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

Phone: 803-898-5864

Email: ABL@dor.sc.gov

Report alcohol-related violations:

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
803-896-5591

Liquor

Businesses that manufacture, distribute, and sell liquor are regulated by licenses issued from the South Carolina Department of Revenue, and authorized under Chapter 6 of Title 61 SC Code of Laws.

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

TIER ONE

Manufacturers (Producers & Importers) are manufacturers, distillers, microdistillers, rectifiers, blenders, and bottlers of alcoholic liquors, along with importers who import alcoholic liquors from outside the US.

Manufacturers must sell to distributors only.

TIER TWO

Wholesalers "Distributors" purchase alcoholic liquors from licensed manufacturers from either inside or outside of South Carolina for distribution and resale to licensed retail liquor stores.

Wholesalers are the "middleman" between the manufacturer and retailer. Wholesalers may sell to licensed retail liquor stores.

TIER THREE

Retailers are divided into four types: retail liquor stores, restaurants, hotels, and non-profit private clubs. Restaurants, hotels, and non-profit private clubs can only sell liquor by the drink to be consumed on the premises. Retail liquor stores can only sell sealed liquor to-go.

Retailers may only purchase from a distributor - and never directly from a manufacturer. Restaurants, hotels, and nonprofit private clubs must purchase liquor from a retail liquor store with a federal Class B wholesaler permit.

Staying compliant

Avoid a suspended or revoked license (SC Code Section 61-6-100)

The SCDOR has sole and exclusive power to suspend and revoke a manufacturer's, wholesaler's, or retail dealer's license. Read the regulations below to avoid a license suspension or revocation:

Sales & Transfers

Transfers of alcoholic liquor between retail stores (SC Code of Regulations 7-300.4 )

Liquor may be transferred from one retail liquor store to another retail liquor store:
The licensed retail liquor stores transferring and receiving liquor must be owned by the same business entity, and
The transfer is made by a common carrier, a licensed wholesaler’s truck, or a vehicle owned and operated by the retail liquor store licensee.

All transfers must be reflected on an invoice in triplicate that states:

The license numbers of the stores transferring and receiving liquor,
The brand, size, and quantity to be transferred, and
The date of the transfer

What to do with each copy of the invoice:

Send one copy to the SCDOR prior to making the transfer.
One copy must be in the possession of the driver until delivery is complete, then retained by the store receiving the liquor.
One copy must be retained by the store transferring the liquor.

The SCDOR may suspend or revoke the licenses of any retail liquor store in violation of these conditions.

Unsure what you should do if you are a Retail Liquor Store license holder with two or more stores, and you don’t know if you can transfer alcoholic liquor from one store that qualifies for a wholesale quantity discount to your other stores that do not qualify for the discount?
See the answer to this frequently asked question on the Retail Liquor Store License page.

Purchase from unlicensed retail dealer (SC Code Section 61-6-4050)
It is unlawful for a person to purchase or otherwise procure alcoholic liquors other than those purchased from licensed retail dealers in the State, or those purchased pursuant to a special food manufacturer’s license in SC Code Section 61-6-710. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished as follows:

first offense - a fine of $100 or imprisonment for 30 days
second offense - a fine of $200 or imprisonment for 60 days
third or subsequent offense - a fine of $300 or imprisonment for 90 days

Sale of alcoholic liquors by former licensee (SC Code Section 61-6-950)
Alcoholic liquors owned by or in possession of a licensee for sale at the time the license is suspended or revoked or otherwise terminated may, upon the issuance by the SCDOR of a permit, within the time fixed in the permit, and upon those conditions as the SCDOR specifies, be sold by the licensee to licensed manufacturers, wholesalers, or retail dealers or may, upon a permit issued by the SCDOR and within the time fixed in the permit, be sold to persons outside this State for resale outside the State. However, no deliveries or shipments may be made into another state whose laws prohibit the consignee from receiving or selling alcoholic liquors. The time fixed by the SCDOR in a permit under this section must not be less than 60 days.

Manufacturers

Wholesalers

Revocation of wholesaler’s license (SC Code Section 61-6-930)

The SCDOR must revoke the license of a wholesaler if proof is obtained that the wholesaler has a direct or an indirect interest in a retail store.

Restrictions upon wholesalers (SC Code Section 61-6-1300)
No wholesaler may:

sell, barter, exchange, give, transfer, or deliver for consumption alcoholic liquors to a person not having a retail dealer’s license issued under this article;
permit the drinking of alcoholic liquors on his premises;
condition the sale of alcoholic liquors to a retail dealer upon the purchase or receipt of another kind or brand of alcoholic liquors than that ordered by the retail dealer;
sell alcoholic liquors between the times of sundown and sunrise;
sell alcoholic liquors on credit; however, this item does not prohibit payment by electronic transfer of funds if (a) the transfer of funds is initiated by an irrevocable payment order on or before delivery of the alcoholic liquors and (b) the electronic transfer is initiated by the wholesaler no later than one business day after delivery;
directly or indirectly, individually or as a member of a partnership or an association, as a member or stockholder of a corporation, or as a relative to a person by blood or marriage within the third degree, have an interest in a business, store, or establishment dealing in alcoholic liquors except the store or place of business covered by his wholesaler’s license; or
redeem proof-of-purchase certificates for any promotional item.

New alcoholic liquor (SC Code Section 61-6-1636)

New alcoholic liquor is defined as alcoholic liquor not previously sold in South Carolina.
South Carolina licensed liquor wholesalers may deliver new alcoholic liquor to businesses licensed to sell liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption. The liquor must be delivered:

in any size bottle except 1.75-liter bottles
in sealed containers
only during the first 180 days from the date of the first bill of lading in South Carolina for that new alcoholic liquor.

Within 10 days of receipt of the first bill of lading, the licensed wholesaler must provide a copy of the bill of lading to the SCDOR in the manner prescribed by the SCDOR.

NOTE: Introducing a new container size of an alcoholic liquor does not qualify as a new alcoholic liquor for the purposes of SC Code Section 61-6-1636.

FOR EXAMPLE: ABC Bourbon has been available to purchase in South Carolina for two years in 750ml bottles. Offering 1-liter bottles of ABC Bourbon does not qualify as a new alcoholic liquor.

Retail Dealers

Retail dealer must certify purchases from wholesaler (SC Code Section 61-6-195)
The SCDOR must not issue or renew a retail dealer's license until the applicant has certified that the applicant has not purchased and will not purchase alcoholic liquors from another person who does not hold a wholesaler's license.

Retail dealer restrictions and unlawful practices (SC Code Section 61-6-1500)
A retail dealer may not:

sell, barter, exchange, give, or offer for sale, barter, or exchange, or permit the sale, barter, exchange, or gift, of alcoholic liquors without regard to the size of the container:

between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.;
for consumption on the premises;
to a person under twenty-one years of age;
to an intoxicated person;
to a mentally incompetent person; or
to a person the retail dealer knows is another retail dealer, except as provided in SC Code Section 61-6-950 or between locations owned by the same retail dealer;

permit the drinking of alcoholic liquors in his store or place of business;
sell alcoholic liquors on credit; however, this item does not prohibit payment by electronic transfer of funds if:

the transfer of funds is initiated by an irrevocable payment order on or before delivery of the alcoholic liquors; and
the electronic transfer is initiated by the retailer no later than one business day after delivery;

redeem proof-of-purchase certificates for any promotional item; or
purchase, barter, exchange, receive, or offer to purchase, barter, exchange, receive or permit the purchase, barter, exchange, or receipt, of alcoholic liquors without regard to the size of the container from another retail dealer, except as provided in SC Code Section 61-6-950 or between locations owned by the same retail dealer.

However, during restricted hours a retail dealer is permitted to receive, stock, and inventory merchandise, provide for maintenance and repairs, and other necessary, related functions that do not involve the sale of alcoholic liquors.

Purchases for Exclusive Use Prohibited - 7-300.2
No retail liquor dealer shall be permitted to purchase any alcoholic liquors except from a licensed wholesale dealer in this State. The purchase, or negotiation for purchase, of alcoholic liquors from without the State by a retail dealer is strictly forbidden. No wholesale liquor dealer shall be permitted to purchase alcoholic liquors for the exclusive use of any retailer.

Licensing for Retail Liquor Stores selling to Liquor by the Drink Retailers

If you hold a Retail Liquor Store license and want to sell wholesale to Liquor by the Drink license holders, you will need to provide the following to the SCDOR Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL):

A copy of your Basic Permit issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (TTB): This permit must show the location information and indicate approval to be a Distilled Spirits Wholesaler.
Your original license for the Retail Liquor Store: We will reissue your license with the indication that you are a licensed retailer dealer with a wholesaler’s basic permit issued pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Act. This is also known as a Class B wholesaler.

Purchase by, and delivery to, liquor by the drink licensees (SC Code Section 61-6-1636)
(A) A person licensed by this article for sale and use for on-premises consumption shall purchase alcoholic liquor for sale by the drink from a licensed retail dealer with a wholesaler's basic permit issued pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act in any size bottle, except 1.75 liter size bottles.

(B) A licensed retail dealer with a wholesaler's basic permit issued pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act may deliver, in sealed containers, alcoholic liquor in any size bottle, except 1.75 liter size bottles, to a person licensed by this article to sell alcoholic liquors for on-premises consumption.

(C)(1) For the purposes of this subsection, "new alcoholic liquor" means alcoholic liquor not previously sold in this State.
(2) A licensed wholesaler may deliver new alcoholic liquor to a person licensed by this article to sell alcoholic liquors for on-premises consumption:
(a) in sealed containers and in any sized bottle, except 1.75 liter sized bottles, and
(b) only during the first one hundred eighty days from the date of the first bill of lading in this State for that new alcoholic liquor.
(3) Within ten days of receipt of the first bill of lading, the licensed wholesaler must provide a copy of the bill of lading to the SCDOR in the manner prescribed by the SCDOR.

Premiums, Coupons, & Stamps

Bring Your Own Bottle

Frequently asked questions about liquor
In addition to the FAQs listed below, you can find more license-specific FAQs by visiting our ABL Licenses page.

Who can hold liquor (and wine containing over 16.5% alcohol) tastings?
Liquor by the Drink license holders
Establishments holding Liquor by the Drink licenses may conduct tastings of alcoholic liquors (and wine containing over 16.5% alcohol) provided:
The establishment must have a permanent seating capacity of 50 persons or more;
Samples may not be offered from more than four products at any one time;
The sampling must be held in the bar area of a licensed establishment and all open bottles must be visible at all times. All open bottles must be removed at the conclusion of the tasting;
Samples must be less than one-half ounce for each product sampled;
A person may not be served more than one sample of each product;
A sampling may not be offered for more than four hours;
At least five days before the sampling, a letter detailing the specific date and hours of the sampling must be mailed first class to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division;
A sample must not be offered to, or allowed to be consumed by, an intoxicated person or a person under the age of 21 years;
A licensed establishment may not offer more than one sampling each day; and
The sampling must be conducted by the manufacturer or wholesaler or an agent of the manufacturer or wholesaler. SC Code Section 61-6-1640
Retail Liquor Stores
Retail liquor stores may conduct tastings of wine over 16.5% by volume, cordials, and other distilled spirits provided: SC Code Section 61-6-1640
No sample may be offered from more than four products at a time;
The sample is limited to products from no more than one wholesaler at a time;
No more than one bottle of each of the four products to be sampled may be opened;
The sampling must be held in a designated tasting area of the retail liquor store and all open bottles must be visible at all times. All open bottles must be removed at the end of the tasting;
Samples must be less than one-half ounce for each product sampled;
No person may be served more than one sample of each product;
No sampling may be offered for more than four hours;
At least 10 days before the sampling, a letter detailing the specific date and hours of the sampling must be mailed first class to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The letter must include a copy of a certificate of liability insurance for the manufacturer, the retail establishment, or its agent, conducting the tastings;
No sample may be offered to, or allowed to be consumed by, an intoxicated person or a person under the age of 21 years. This person must not be allowed to loiter on the store premises;
The tastings must be conducted by the manufacturer or an agent of the manufacturer or retailer, and must not be conducted by a wholesaler, an employee of a wholesaler, or any agent of a wholesaler.
No retail alcoholic liquor store may offer more than one sampling per day.
All product samples used for tasting must be purchased by the retailer from a South Carolina Licensed Wholesaler.
All associated costs for the tasting must be by the manufacturer, the retailer, or agent conducting the tastings.
Mixers, which must be nonalcoholic and carry zero percent of alcohol by weight, may be provided in conjunction with the tasting, but the mixers must be provided free of charge.
Store mixers used, but not sold, in conjunction with tastings.
Micro Distilleries & Liquor Manufacturers
A holder of a valid Liquor Micro Distillery license or Liquor Manufacturer license issued by the SCDOR may permit tastings and retail sales of the alcoholic liquors produced at the licensed premises subject to the following limitations:
Tastings by and sales to consumers must be held in conjunction with a tour by the consumer of the on-site licensed premises and the micro-distillery or manufacturer may charge an amount in its discretion for the tour. The amount consumers are charged must be on a scale that accords with the amount of alcoholic liquors for on-premises consumption that is dispensed to consumers.
The micro-distillery or manufacturer shall establish appropriate protocols to ensure that a consumer sold or served alcoholic liquors pursuant to this section is not under twenty-one years of age and that a consumer shall not attend more than one tasting a day;
The amount charged by the micro-distillery and manufacturer for tours must increase incrementally and accord with the amount of alcoholic liquors provided for on-premises consumption by one-half ounce, beginning with a base tour price corresponding with the provision of one ounce of alcoholic liquor
The micro-distillery or manufacturer may not dispense more than three ounces four and one-half ounces to an individual consumer in one day;
Tastings and sales may occur only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday;
The micro-distillery or manufacturer may not charge for alcoholic liquors consumed at a tasting
The micro-distillery or manufacturer may provide mixers, which must be nonalcoholic and carry zero percent of alcohol by weight, in conjunction with the tasting, but the micro-distillery or manufacturer may not charge for the mixers.
Only brands of alcoholic liquors actually manufactured, distilled or fermented at and distributed to wholesalers from the licensed premises may be sold or offered for tasting
A micro-distillery or manufacturer licensed pursuant to SC Code Section 61-6-1155 (adding a restaurant) must comply with the discount pricing provisions of SC Code Section 61-6-4550, as applicable, and may not dispense alcoholic liquors for free at a tasting.
*Tastings must not be conducted in the same room where goods, wares, or merchandise promoting the brand or brands of alcoholic liquors produced at that location are sold;
*Store mixers used, but not sold, in conjunction with tastings
*Not allow minors into the portion of the facility where tastings are occurring, unless accompanied by an adult.
*10, 11, and 12 do not apply to those businesses that hold a liquor by the drink license (PLB)
SC Code Sections 61-6-1140 and 61-6-1150

I am an individual or military personnel interested in bringing alcohol into South Carolina from another country for personal use. Who do I contact?
Individuals and military personnel should email BeerWineClearance@dor.sc.gov.

What do I do after I get approved as a wholesaler from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (TTB)?
If you hold a Retail Liquor Store license and want to sale wholesale to liquor by the drink license holders, you will need to provide the following to the SCDOR Alcohol Beverage License Division:

A copy of your Basic Permit issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (TTB): This permit must show the location information and indicate approval to be a Distilled Spirits Wholesaler.
Your original license for the Retail Liquor Store: We will reissue your license with the indication that you are a licensed retailer dealer with a wholesaler’s basic permit issued pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Act. This is also known as a Class B wholesaler.
SC Code Section 61-6-1636 Purchase by, and delivery to, liquor by the drink licensees
(A) A person licensed by this article for sale and use for on-premises consumption shall purchase alcoholic liquor for sale by the drink from a licensed retail dealer with a wholesaler's basic permit issued pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act in any size bottle, except 1.75 liter size bottles.
(B) A licensed retail dealer with a wholesaler's basic permit issued pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act may deliver, in sealed containers, alcoholic liquor in any size bottle, except 1.75 liter size bottles, to a person licensed by this article to sell alcoholic liquors for on-premises consumption.
The previous license must also be turned in before the new license will be reissued with the Wholesaler marking. You may mail your change to us or come into the District Office to have the new license printed.

Are internet sales of alcoholic liquors permissible?
An order can be placed online; however, the purchaser must physically go into the seller’s business to obtain the purchased liquor. Alcoholic liquors cannot be delivered to a resident of South Carolina.

Curbside pickup is also not authorized.

Is bottle service of liquor legal in South Carolina?
No. Bottle service is commonly defined as selling a customer a full bottle of liquor and making cocktails from that bottle at their table.
In no way is bottle service of liquor legal in South Carolina. This includes letting guests purchase a bottle of liquor that the server keeps behind the bar or places in a cage at the table.
Only Retail Liquor Store license holders 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.

Can beer, wine, or liquor beverage products containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) be legally manufactured and sold in South Carolina?
Only beer, wine, or liquor beverage products that have been approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), and contain 0.3% of delta-9 THC or less on a dry weight basis, are permitted.

Beer, wine, or liquor beverage products containing more than 0.3% of delta-9 THC or other CBD and THC substances, that include but are not limited to delta-8 and delta-10, in any amount are prohibited.

How are ready to drink (RTD) cocktails classified?
Ready to drink cocktails (RTD) can be classified as beer, wine, or alcohol depending on their ABV:

RTD cocktails with beer/malt as an alcohol base and an alcohol content by weight below 14.5% are classified as beer.
RTD cocktails with wine as an alcohol base and an alcohol content by volume up to 21% are classified as wine.
RTD cocktails with alcoholic liquor as an alcohol base regardless of alcohol content are classified as liquor.
S.C. Code of Laws Title 61, Chapter 4 – Beer, Ale, Porter, and Wine makes no mention of cocktails but does provide some guidance of what types of beverages are regulated as beer and wine in S.C. Code Ann. §61-4-10 as follows:

all beers, ales, porters, and other similar malt or fermented beverages containing not in excess of five percent of alcohol by weight;
all beers, ales, porters, and other similar malt or fermented beverages containing more than five percent but less than fourteen percent of alcohol by weight that are manufactured, distributed, or sold in containers of six and one-half ounces or more or the metric equivalent; and
all wines containing not in excess of twenty-one percent of alcohol by volume.
S.C. Code of Laws Title 61, Chapter 6 – Alcoholic Beverage Control Act makes no mention of cocktails but does provide some guidance of what types of beverages are regulated as alcoholic liquors in S.C. Code Ann. §61-6-20 as follows:
"Alcoholic liquors" or "alcoholic beverages" means any spirituous malt, vinous, fermented, brewed (whether lager or rice beer), or other liquors or a compound or mixture of them, including, but not limited to, a powdered or crystalline alcohol, by whatever name called or known, which contains alcohol and is used as a beverage for human consumption

S.C. law does not recognize RTD cocktails as a cocktail or unique category of alcohol. RTD cocktails are classified by their alcohol base regardless of alcohol content. RTD cocktails with a beer/malt base are beer, those with a wine base are wine, and those with an alcoholic liquor base are liquor.

RTD cocktails with an alcohol base of wine and an alcohol content by volume greater than 16.5% and up to 21% must be sold in licensed retail liquor stores or establishments licensed to sell liquor by the drink per S.C. Code Ann. §61-4-770.

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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

See liquor licenses

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 >
Still haven't created a MyDORWAY account? See the benefits of creating a MyDORWAY account and sign up today >

	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 benefits of creating a MyDORWAY account and sign up today >

Staying compliant

​Sales & Transfe​rs​​​​

​​​Manufacturers​​​​

​​Wholesaler​s

​Retail Dealers​​​​​

​​Licensing for Retail Liquor Stores selling to Liquor by the Drink Retailers

​Premiums, Coupons, & ​Stamps

​Bring Your Own Bottle

Frequently asked questions about liquor

Who can hold liquor (and wine containing over 16.5% alcohol) tastings​?​​​​​​

​Liquor by the Drink license holders​​

​Retail Liquor Stores​

Micro Distilleries & Liquor Manufacturers

I am an individual or military personnel interested in bringing alcohol into South Carolina from another country for personal use. Who do I contact?

What do I do after I get approved as a wholesaler from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (TTB)​?​

Are internet sales of alcoholic liquors permissible?​​

Is bottle service of liquor legal in South Carolina?​

Can beer, wine, or liquor beverage products containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) be legally manufactured and sold in South Carolina?​

How are ready to​ drink (​RT​D) cocktails ​classified?​​

Your Question Title here

Your Question Title here

ABL business operations

Nee​​d more ​help​​​?

Sales & Transfers

Manufacturers

Wholesalers

Retail Dealers

Licensing for Retail Liquor Stores selling to Liquor by the Drink Retailers

Premiums, Coupons, & Stamps

Bring Your Own Bottle

Who can hold liquor (and wine containing over 16.5% alcohol) tastings?

Liquor by the Drink license holders

Retail Liquor Stores

What do I do after I get approved as a wholesaler from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (TTB)?

Are internet sales of alcoholic liquors permissible?

Is bottle service of liquor legal in South Carolina?

Can beer, wine, or liquor beverage products containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) be legally manufactured and sold in South Carolina?

How are ready to drink (RTD) cocktails classified?

Need more help?