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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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Nonprofit (Private Club) Liquor by the Drink License (PLC)

The Nonprofit (Private Club) Liquor by the Drink License authorizes the sale of liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption. Only valid nonprofit organizations may hold this License.

​License ​renewal

The Nonprofit (Private Club) Liquor by the Drink 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 by the drink to the public or for profit
  • The sale or consumption of beer or wine
  • The distilling, brewing, fermenting, blending, or bottling of any beverage containing alcohol
  • Curbside sales or pickup, drive-through sales or pickup, or delivery of beer, wine, or liquor


After logging in, select the More tab, then click Apply for a New Alcohol Beverage License.​​

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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 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: $1,700 (​Due every two years with li​cense renewal)
    • ​You must pay a prorated amount of the license fee after your Nonprofit (Private Club) Liquor by the Drink License application has been approved by the SCDOR.

License requirements ​​
  • The organization applying for this License must: 
    • Be a nonprofit association, organization or corporation chartered by the SC Secretary of State's Office. 
    • Have a definite method of electing individual members to the organization. This method must be described in the club's bylaws and relate to the organization’s purpose. 
    • Be maintained through the payment of membership dues. 
    • Be managed by a board of directors, executive committee, or similar governing body chosen by the members at a regularly-held meeting on at least an annual basis. 
    • Have no member or shareholder of the organization benefitting from the organization’s net earnings. 
  • 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. 
  • 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 completed Nonprofict Private Club Affirmation (ABL-958), along with your organization’s bylaws – or a document substituting for bylaws – demonstrating your organization is a nonprofit. 
  • You must submit a copy of the lease, deed, tax bill, 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 beer or wine.


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Frequently asked questions

Review the FAQs below for answers to frequently asked questions about the Nonprofit (Private Club) Liquor by the Drink License. Our Liquor and ​Operating an ABL Business​​ pages ​have ​additional helpful information.​

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Do I need to meet restaurant requirements?​

Does the State regulate the amount of liquor I must or can pour into a drink (does the law state how much liquor must be in a “shot”)?​

Does my Liquor by the Drink license allow me to sell cocktails containing liquor to go?​

May I have liquor in any size bottle on my premises?​

Does my Liquor by the Drink license authorize me to sell sealed or unsealed bottles of liquor to my customers?

Related SC Code of Laws

  • SC Code Section 61-6-20(7)​ – Defines nonprofit organizations
  • SC Code Section 61-6-1​600 – Outlines times when liquor may be sold
  • SC Code of Regulations 7-401.4​ – Outlines requirements for nonprofits​​​