How to get a liquor license in South Carolina

Selling alcohol can produce some significant revenue for a bar or restaurant. On average, 20 to 25 percent of a restaurant’s total income comes from alcohol sales.

However, to tap into this kind of financial opportunity as a small business, you need to possess a liquor license in addition to your business license. Obtaining a liquor license in South Carolina is fairly straightforward and not too dissimilar to other neighboring states. That being said, there are some unique requirements and steps to keep in mind throughout the application process.

South Carolina liquor license requirements and laws

All South Carolina liquor licenses are divided into 3 main categories, or “tiers”: retail licenses, wholesale licenses, and manufacturing/importing licenses. There are also individual permits issued to businesses for manufacturing, distribution, and sale of beer and wine.

This 3-tier system established in South Carolina has several purposes, such as fostering responsible competition, preventing abuses, and guaranteeing efficient collection of taxes. You can learn more about the state’s laws on the SC Department of Revenue (DOR) website.

Depending on the type of license you are applying for, you may be asked to provide some additional documentation. However, you will be asked to submit quite a few documents for a standard beer, wine, and liquor retailer’s license. We will highlight these further below.

It is important to note that if you are applying for a license that permits on-premise consumption, you will need to show a Certificate of Liquor Liability Insurance or General Liability Insurance.

If you were to serve underage patrons, you would risk an investigation by the law enforcement division (SLED) and subsequent liquor license revocation. If this happens, the issuance of a new license is not possible for the previously licensed premises. Alcoholic Beverage Licensing (ABL) laws are strict, no matter your state. Make sure you are following all guidelines and protocols as required by law.

SC liquor license qualifications

To apply for a South Carolina liquor license, you must be at least 21 years of age, be a legal citizen of the United States, and be a legal resident of South Carolina at least 30 before submitting your license application. As an applicant, you must also be the owner of the business and comply with local zoning laws–these will vary depending on the town or city.

SC liquor license: Zoning and other requirements

The State of South Carolina has put forth some general requirements for establishments selling liquor by the drink on licensed premises:

• Your establishment must be at least 300 feet from a church, school, or playground
• If your business is open after 5 pm, you must provide the state with a copy of your liquor liability insurance policy or general liability insurance policy

For restaurants specifically, you must:

• Be engaged in the preparation and serving of meals
• Have a kitchen on-site that is in a separate area from the bar and used solely to prepare meals
• A well-lit bar area, so customers have a clear view of bar activities
• A Grade A Restaurant License issued by the South Carolina Department of Health

You can find a full list of requirements here.

SC liquor license: Taxes

If you are a restaurant or bar selling liquor by the drink in South Carolina, you will be required to pay a 5% excise tax. If you are a wholesaler or distributor, such as a liquor store, you will pay a sales tax of 6%.

Any retail dealer of alcoholic beverages that participates in retail sales must also apply for a sales tax license. You can complete the application for a sales tax license through the MyDORWAY portal. Here, you will find any of the necessary beverage permits. The application fee for a sales tax license is $50, and you will receive your license immediately upon completing the application.

Types of South Carolina liquor licenses

In South Carolina, there are 27 different types of alcoholic beverage licenses. However, for simplicity, we will be highlighting the 6 most common licenses businesses apply for. These are as follows (including documents that must be submitted):

1) Beer/Wine Producer or Importer License

• Completed Application (including entity name, business location, ownership type, brands of beer and wine being produced and/or sold, etc.)
• $400 biennial fee
• Attached copy of a TTB Basic Permit
• Attached Articles of Incorporation or Operating Agreement (if LLC)
• Attached criminal records check
• Attached Verification of Lawful Presence (for each principal)
• Completed alcohol label brand registration
• Copy of TTB C.O.L.A. for each label sold
• Copy of authorization letter for imported products

2) Business Liquor By the Drink (Brewpub, Restaurant, or Hotel) License

• Completed application
• $200 fee
• Affidavit of Publication from a local newspaper
• Completed Consent and Waiver
• Attached copy of Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreement, or LLC Supplemental Information Form
• Certificate of Authority
• Attached copy of lease, deed, or tax bill
• Completed residency status verification affidavit
• Attached criminal records check

3) In-State Liquor Manufacturer/Wholesaler License

• Completed application
• $200 fee
• Affidavit of Publication from local newspaper
• Completed Consent and Waiver
• Attached copy of Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreement, or Partnership Agreement
• Certificate of Authority
• Attached copy of lease, deed, or tax bill
• Attached criminal records check
• Completed residency status verification affidavit

4) Off-Premises/On-Premises Beer and Wine License

• Completed application
• $300 fee
• Completed Consent and Waiver
• Attached copy of Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreement, or Partnership Agreement
• Certificate of Authority
• Attached copy of lease (for the location you are seeking a permit), deed, or tax bill
• Attached criminal records check
• Completed residency status verification affidavit

5) Retail Liquor License

• Completed application
• Notice of Application
• $200 fee
• Completed Consent and Waiver
• Attached copy of Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreement, or Partnership Agreement
• Certificate of AuthorityAttached copy of lease (for location you are seeking a permit), deed, or tax bill
• Attached criminal records checkCompleted residency status verification affidavit

6) Special Events License

• Special Event Beer and Wine Permit
• Special Event Alcoholic Liquors License
• Completed Law Enforcement Notification for Special Event application
• Completed Application for Special Event Beer, Wine, and/or Liquor
• Completed Applicant and Principal Consent and WaiverAttached criminal records check

If you represent a nonprofit organization, you must apply for a separate license called the “Special Nonprofit Event License.” You must have a charter from or be a political party affiliate certified by the South Carolina Secretary of State's office to be eligible.

Can I get a one-day liquor license in South Carolina?

Yes, you can get a one-day liquor license in South Carolina. These are usually granted to those hosting a special event (see above). A one-day liquor license will cost $45 per day. Any event beyond 11:59 PM must pay an extra day’s fee. Depending on the event, you may also need to submit additional permit applications.

How much does a South Carolina liquor license cost?

Costs for liquor licenses vary depending on the license. However, you can be expected to pay anywhere from $10 to $500. The South Carolina Department of Revenue has a full rundown of license costs and payment schedules for each license.

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