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ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSING ×
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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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​​​​​​​​​Are you ​catering and bartending alcohol at ​events?
To avoid violations as a caterer or bartend​er, learn​ the ABL Rules and Regulations for Catering & Bartending in South Carolina ​to ensure you are legally providing alcohol at events.
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Special Event Permits​

The SCDOR requires individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations​ to apply for Special Event Permits​ when they are hosting events in which​ alcohol will be sold, donated, served, and/or consumed.​

​Are you ​catering and bartending alcohol at ​events?
​To avoid violations as a caterer or bartend​er, learn more about​ ABL Rules and Regulations for Catering & Bartending in South Carolina​ ​to ensure you are legally providing alcohol at events. 

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When do you need a Special Event Permit for your event?
South Carolina law considers the sale of an alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, and liquor) to have taken place when any of the following occurs at an event that is providing alcoholic beverages:

  • There is a per drink charge
  • An admission fee is charged to enter the event
  • A donation (whether it be with money, goods, or services) is accepted with respect to the event
  • Tickets are sold with respect to the event
  • Alcoholic beverages are provided as part of a meal for which donations are received​

​​​Which permit is required for your event?
  • Beer & Wine Special Event Perm​its (TBP) are for individuals, business entities, or nonprofit organizations selling beer and wine at a Special Event
  • Liquor Special Event Permits (TLP) ​are for nonprofit organizations selling liquor at a Special Event. ​Remember: Only nonprofit organizations can have liquor at special events.​
  • ​​​Special (Donated) Nonprofit E​v​ent Permits (TNL) are required for nonprofit organizations holding a Special Event where the alcohol or some portion of the alcohol is donated by a licensed supplier or wholesaler. This license covers beer, wine, and liquor.​​​ NOTE: The Special (Donated) Nonprofit Event Permit cannot be issued for a period exceeding 72 consecutive hours.
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​​How do you apply for a Special Event Permit?​

MyDOR​WAY​ is the fastest, easiest way to apply for a Special Event Permit. Get started by logging in to MyDORWAY, then clicking the More tab. On the next screen, select Apply for a New ABL Special Event License.
​You can also apply for a Special Event Permit using paper forms.
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​​Who should apply for a Special Event Permit?​

The person or entity who is receiving the profits or proceeds from the special event should be the one to apply for a Special Event Permit - even if those profits are only donations or entry fees. ​​​​​​ ​

Frequently asked questions about Special Event Permits

What are the hours of sale for Special Event Permits?​

How long does it take to receive a Special Event Permit

Who should apply for a Special Event Permit?​​

Who should I purchase alcohol from for a Special Event?​

Am I required to obtain a Sales Tax Retail License or Admissions Tax License​?​​

Do I have to be a resident of South Carolina for 30 days prior to obtaining a Special Event ​Permit?

My​ organization holds a federal exemption. Does this also extend to the state level?​

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Nee​​d m​ore ​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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