ABL | Liquors Cooking License

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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

Return to ABL license directory

Liquors Cooking License (PAL)

The Liquors Cooking License authorizes the purchase and possession of liquor for use in the cooking and preparing of foods (not manufacturing). These liquors may only be purchased from a licensed wholesaler or a class B wholesaler.  You do not need to apply for a Liquors Cooking License if your business already holds a Business Liquor by the Drink License.

License renewal

The Liquors Cooking License must be renewed every two years. The renewal date is based on the county in which your business operates, not the date when you applied for or received your license. Learn more about the renewal schedule.

 This license does NOT authorize:

The sale or consumption of liquor by the drink
The purchase, possession, sale, or consumption of beer or wine
The distilling, brewing, fermenting, blending, and bottling of any beverage containing alcohol at the licensed location

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Application requirements and instructions

First, it's important for you to review the general ABL applicant requirements listed on the ABL license directory page to make sure you are eligible to apply.

When you’re ready to apply, we recommend submitting your application using our free online tax portal, MyDORWAY. It’s faster and easier than completing a paper application, and you don’t have to worry about mail processing or making a trip to one of our offices.

 Fees

License fee: $250

Due every two years with license renewal
You must pay a prorated amount of the license fee after your Liquors Cooking License application has been approved by the SCDOR.

License requirements 

You must submit a completed Application for Retail Beer, Wine, and Liquor (ABL-901), including all supplemental forms. See Required Forms below for more information. We recommend applying on MyDORWAY, but if submitting a paper copy of the application, make sure it’s signed and dated.

Required forms

120-Day Temporary License

If you have assumed control of a business that sells beer and wine under a valid 7 Day Winery Permit, you must apply for your own permit. While your application is being considered by the SCDOR, you can apply for a 120-day temporary license. You must apply for the 120-day temporary license at the same time you submit the application for the permanent license. This license allows you to continue selling beer and wine for 120 days while your permanent license application is under SCDOR review.

General requirements for the 120-day temporary license

Frequently asked questions

Review the FAQs below for answers to frequently asked questions about the Liquors Cooking License. Our Liquor and Operating an ABL Business pages have additional helpful information.

What is authorized by the Liquors Cooking License?

What type of business primarily obtains the Liquors Cooking License?

If I use liquor in cooking, and I already hold a Business (Restaurant or Hotel) Liquor by the Drink License, do I need a Liquors Cooking License?

Related SC Code of Laws

SC Code Section 61-6-700 – Outlines the Liquors Cooking License
SC Code Section 61-6-4060 – Prohibits liquor storage in unlicensed businesses

​Liquors Cooking License (PAL)​

License ​renewal

​Application requirements and instructions​

​ Required forms​​​​​

​120-Day Temporary License

​ General ​​​requirements for the 120-day temporary license​​