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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:
​​​ ​
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)

A manufacturer, distiller, rectifier, blender, bottler, of alcoholic liquors; including importers who import alcoholic liquors into the US​.​

​Manufacturers must sell to distributors only.​​

​​TIER TWO
Wholesalers "Distributors"

Businesses who ​purchase, acquire, or import alcoholic liquors from manufacturers from inside and/or ​outside of SC for the purpose of ​resale​.

Wholesalers are the "go-between" between the manufacturer​ and retailer.

TIER THREE
Retail ​liquor stores

Retailers are divided into two groups which indicates where the sold alcohol is consumed by the consumer: on-premises or off-premises.​​

Retailers may only purchase from a wholesaler - and never directly from a manufacturer.

​​ ​

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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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

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.



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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