Obtaining a liquor license in South Carolina is a process governed by state law. The South Carolina Department of Revenue’s (SCDOR) Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) division oversees this system, ensuring applicants meet all qualifications. For businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages, understanding these requirements is a part of lawful operation.
Understanding South Carolina Liquor License Types
South Carolina offers various licenses for specific types of alcohol sales, separated into retail, wholesale, and manufacturing tiers. For most businesses, the main distinction is between on-premises and off-premises consumption. An On-Premises Beer & Wine Permit (PBW), for example, allows a restaurant or bar to sell beer and wine for customers to drink at the location. An Off-Premises Beer & Wine Permit (PBG) is for establishments like grocery stores where products are sold for consumption elsewhere.
For businesses selling spirits, a Business Liquor by the Drink License (PLB) is for on-site consumption in places like restaurants and hotels. A Retail Liquor Store License (PRL) authorizes the sale of packaged liquor for customers to take away. The SCDOR also issues temporary permits, like the Special Event Beer and Wine Permit, for functions such as festivals or fundraisers.
General Eligibility for a South Carolina Liquor License
Individuals and business entities must meet specific criteria to qualify for a liquor license. An individual applicant must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawfully present, and a resident of South Carolina for at least 30 days prior to applying.1Justia Law. South Carolina Code Section 61-2-100 (2024) – Persons Entitled to Be Licensees or Permittees Business entities must have been registered with the South Carolina Secretary of State for at least 30 days before the application date.
Eligibility also depends on the applicant’s character. State law requires applicants to be of “good moral character,” which is determined partly by a criminal background check conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). While certain felony convictions within the last 10 years can be grounds for denial, more severe offenses may disqualify an applicant regardless of when the conviction occurred. Any outstanding tax liabilities with the SCDOR must also be resolved before a license can be issued.2Justia Law. South Carolina Code Section 61-2-160 – Issuance, Renewal, or Transfer of License; Delinquent Taxes
Required Information and Documents for Your Application
Preparing a liquor license application requires gathering specific documentation. The main application form for many retail businesses is the ABL-901, which requires the business’s legal name, FEIN or SSN, and physical address. Applicants must also submit several other documents:
- Verification of Lawful Presence (ABL-920) and Consent and Waiver (ABL-946) forms for all principals.
- Proof of property ownership or a lease agreement for the business premises, such as the ABL-977 form, a deed, or a lease.
- A receipt and affidavit from a state-approved newspaper confirming a public notice was published for three consecutive weeks.
- A criminal record check from SLED for each principal that is less than 90 days old. If a principal has lived in South Carolina for less than two years, a background check from their previous state of residency is also required.
- Proof of at least $1 million in liquor liability insurance for businesses planning on-premises consumption after 5 p.m.3Justia Law. South Carolina Code Section 61-2-145 – Liability Insurance Coverage Required; On-Premises Consumption
- A Retail Sales License number from the SCDOR, which can be obtained online for a $50 fee.4Justia Law. South Carolina Code Section 12-36-510 – Retail License Requirements; License Tax
Submitting Your Liquor License Application
Once all forms and documents are compiled, the application package can be submitted to the SCDOR’s ABL division. Applicants can mail their materials to the ABL office in Columbia or use the SCDOR’s online portal, MyDORWAY, which is often faster. The portal helps avoid common errors and ensures immediate submission.
A nonrefundable filing fee must be paid at submission. The filing fee for a liquor license application is $200, and the fee for a beer and wine permit application is $300. These fees are separate from the biennial license fees paid after approval. After submission, the SCDOR takes six to eight weeks to process the application, during which SLED conducts an independent investigation of the applicant and the proposed location.
Local Government Approvals and Requirements
In addition to state laws, applicants must satisfy local requirements. State law sets location restrictions, prohibiting a retail liquor license for a business within 300 feet of a church, school, or playground in a municipality, or within 500 feet if outside a municipality.5Justia Law. South Carolina Code Section 61-6-120 – Proximity to Church, School, or Playground; Exception A waiver may be granted if the institution in question states it does not object.
Applicants must also comply with local zoning ordinances. This requires verification from the local planning department that the proposed location is in an area where alcohol sales are permitted.
Applicants are also required to obtain a general business license from their city or county. These local requirements must be handled directly with the relevant city or county offices, as regulations can differ by locality. Proof of these local approvals is often required for the state application.