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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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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.​​

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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:​

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.​


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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.


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 registra​tion​
  • 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 >​

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