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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:​


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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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