How to Get a Retail alcohol License in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina Department of Revenue, Alcohol Beverage Licensing.

South Carolina Department of Revenue, Alcohol Beverage Licensing.

South Carolina Department of Revenue | Alcohol Beverage Licensing

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.dor.sc.gov/alcohol-beverage-licensing-abl/license-directory

License Directory

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.dor.sc.gov/alcohol-beverage-licensing-abl/license-directory

After your Retail License has been issued, you must log in to MyDORWAY to apply for these licenses and permits.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$200

200

Non-refundable filing fee: $200 (Due at the time your application is submitted)

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

2 years

2

The Retail Liquor Store License must be renewed every two years.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The Retail Liquor Store 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.

The Retail Liquor Store 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. Applies to: Retail Liquor Store (PRL) licenses.

The Retail Liquor Store 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.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

For businesses subject to the on-premises liquor liability requirement, coverage normally totals $1 million, with approved mitigation reductions. Permanent-license coverage cannot fall below $300,000; per-occurrence coverage must be at least 50% of the aggregate.

For businesses subject to the on-premises liquor liability requirement, coverage normally totals $1 million, with approved mitigation reductions. Permanent-license coverage cannot fall below $300,000; per-occurrence coverage must be at least 50% of the aggregate.

Businesses open after 5 p.m. to sell beer, wine, and/or liquor for on-premises consumption must provide a copy of their liquor liability policy with a total coverage of $1 million during the period of the license unless they qualify for certain mitigation factors. A permanent licensee's liquor liability insurance coverage cannot drop below $300,000. The per occurrence coverage must be at least fifty percent of the total aggregate limit.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

PLB is for restaurants and lodging establishments selling liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption.

PLB is for restaurants and lodging establishments selling liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption.

The Business (Restaurant & Hotel) Liquor by the Drink License authorizes the sale of liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption. Only restaurants and places of lodging may hold this license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

PRL covers sealed liquor and wine sold to go for off-premises consumption.

PRL covers sealed liquor and wine sold to go for off-premises consumption.

The Retail Liquor Store License authorizes the sale of sealed liquor and wine to go for consumption off the licensed premises

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The application fee and term recorded here cover PRL retail liquor stores. The PLB restaurant/hotel liquor-by-the-drink filing fee and two-year renewal frequency are the same.

The application fee and term recorded here cover PRL retail liquor stores. The PLB restaurant/hotel liquor-by-the-drink filing fee and two-year renewal frequency are the same.

Non-refundable filing fee: $200 (Due at the time your application is submitted) The Business (Restaurant & Hotel) Liquor by the Drink License must be renewed every two years.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026