If your business will be selling or providing Alcohol, South Carolina law requires an Alcohol Beverage License or Permit.

There are four types of alcohol licenses and permits:

  1. Liquor
  2. Food
  3. Beer and Wine Permits
  4. Special Event


How to apply for Alcohol License and Permits.

ABL License application can be completed online using MyDORWAY the South Carolina Department of Revenue's secure online application portal.

BOS TIP: 

  • Some ABL licenses and permit require you to first obtain a Retail License for the SCDOR. This can also be applied for using MyDORWAY. 
Learn more about license specific application instructions and requirement from the South Carolina Department of Revenue. 

 

 

Temporary ABL licenses are only for taking over an existing location with an open, active, and in good standing license.

Any person engaged in retail sales in South Carolina is required to obtain a Retail License. To secure an Alcohol Beverage License (ABL), you must have a South Carolina Retail License. The retail license must be active, in good standing, and for the location address that is applied for on the ABL application. 

You can apply for a license with the Business Tax Application on MyDORWAY.

ABL: Application Processing Time 

The normal process time for Alcohol Beverage Licensing applications takes about six to eight weeks. Part of the application process is an inspection of the physical location by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Once an application and fees are received, the application is assigned to an analyst in ABL and a SLED agent to complete the physical inspection. To alleviate any delays, please read all of your MyDORWAY correspondences and/or phone calls from ABL and SLED. 

If you have assumed control of a business that sells beer, wine, or liquor, 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, wine, or liquor for 120 days while your permanent license application is under SCDOR review. 

The fastest and easiest way is online through MyDORWAY or at a local South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) district office.

Learn more about the ABL application supporting documents at the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

In some cases, the applicant can receive their licenses earlier than six to eight weeks. Most times, this is dependent on how quickly the applicant responds to any requested calls or correspondences.