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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 Wholesaler/Distributor License (PWL)​

The Liquor Wholesaler/Distributor License authorizes:​

  • The purchase of liquor from liquor manufacturers
  • The storage of liquor in a warehouse facility
  • The distribution and sale of liquor to licensed retail locations

License ​renewal

The Liquor Wholesaler/Distributor License must be renewed every two years. The renewal date is based on the county where your business operates, not the date when you applied for or received your license. ​ Learn mor​e about the renewal schedule​.

​​ ​This license does NOT authorize:
  • The sale of liquor for credit or on consignment 
  • ​​The sale of liquor to any party other than a licensed liquor store, restaurant, place of lodging, nonprofit private club, or special event holder

​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, MyD​ORWAY. It’s faster and easier than completing a paper application, and you don’t have to worry about mail proc​essing or making a trip to one of our offices.​

​Fees​
  • Non-refundable filing fee: $200 (Due at the time your application is submitted)
  • License fee: $20,000 (​Due every two years with li​cense renewal)
    • ​You must pay a prorated amount of the license fee after your Liquor Wholesaler License application has been approved by the SCDOR.

License requirements ​​
  • ​You must submit a completed Application for Brewery, Winery, Liquor Manufacturer and Beer, Wine, and/or Liquor Wholesaler (ABL-9​​​02​), 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.
  • You must have an advertisement run in an approved newspaper that notifies the public that you have applied for an alcohol license. See Required Signs & Notices below for more information.
  • You must submit a copy of the lease, deed, writing from a local municipality, or enforceable written contract that grants you the right to use and control the licensed premises. This document must designate the specific area of the premises that will be licensed. In addition, you may supplement this document by submitting a copy of the ABL Lease Supplemental Information​ form (ABL-977).
  • No person may have direct or indirect ownership, influence, or financial interest in more than one of the following entities: a manufacturer, a distributor, or a retailer of liquor. 


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Frequently asked questions

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

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​Does my Liquor Wholesaler/Distributor License a​uthorize me to store other beverages?​

Related SC Code of Laws

  • SC Code Section 61-6-1300 – Outlines the Liquor Wholesaler License​
  • SC Code Section 61-6-1310 – Requires separate storage exclusively for beverages
  • SC Code Section 61-6-1320 – Requires filing of monthly statements
  • ​SC Code Section 61-6-​2900 – Authorizes wholesaler to ship or transfer imported liquors