What to Know About South Carolina's Toddy Shops

A toddy shop is a small retail store licensed to sell beer, wine, and spirits for off-premises consumption in South Carolina

Toddy shops are the backbone of South Carolina's alcohol retail landscape, especially outside of major cities. Unlike grocery stores or gas stations that sell beer and wine alongside other goods, a toddy shop exists primarily to sell packaged alcohol. The name itself is rooted in South Carolina history—a "toddy" originally referred to a drink made with spirits, and the term stuck as the state's legal designation for this type of retailer.

South Carolina's alcohol laws are set at the state level but enforced locally, which means what you can buy and when varies by county and municipality. Some areas allow toddy shops to operate freely; others restrict them heavily or prohibit them entirely. Understanding your local rules matters if you're looking to open one or simply want to know where to shop.

Key Takeaways

• Toddy shops are licensed retailers that sell only packaged beer, wine, and spirits—not food or other goods—and operate under South Carolina's Alcoholic Beverage Control laws.
• Local governments control whether toddy shops can operate in their area, so availability and hours vary significantly by county and city.
• To open a toddy shop, you need a state license from the South Carolina Department of Revenue, local approval, and compliance with zoning and distance rules that differ by jurisdiction.
• Toddy shops must follow strict rules about hours of operation, who can purchase alcohol, and how products are displayed and stored.

How South Carolina licenses toddy shops

The South Carolina Department of Revenue's Alcoholic Beverage Control division issues licenses to retail alcohol sellers. A toddy shop license allows the sale of beer, wine, and spirits in sealed containers only—nothing can be consumed on the premises. The state charges a license fee, which varies depending on the type of alcohol sold and the location's population.

Before you can get a state license, you must first obtain local approval. This means your city or county government must permit toddy shops in your area and approve your specific location. Some jurisdictions have caps on the number of licenses they issue; others have none. A few counties and municipalities prohibit toddy shops altogether, so the first step is always to check with your local government's zoning or business licensing office.

Once local approval is in place, you submit your application to the Department of Revenue along with proof of local authorization, a detailed business plan, and information about the proposed location. The state reviews the application and issues or denies the license. Renewal happens annually, and the license can be revoked if the shop violates alcohol laws.

Local rules that affect where and how toddy shops operate

South Carolina gives cities and counties significant power to regulate alcohol sales. Many jurisdictions require that toddy shops be a certain distance from schools, parks, or other alcohol retailers. Some set specific hours—for example, prohibiting sales before 7 a.m. or after midnight. Others allow 24-hour operation. A few areas require that the owner live in the county or have a local business presence.

Zoning is another major factor. A toddy shop may be prohibited in residential neighborhoods or required to locate in commercial districts. Some jurisdictions allow them anywhere; others restrict them to specific zones. Before investing in a location, contact your city or county planning and zoning office to understand what's permitted where you want to operate.

These local rules change periodically, so even if a toddy shop operated in a location five years ago, the rules may have shifted. Always verify current regulations with your local government before signing a lease or applying for a license.

What toddy shops can and cannot sell

A toddy shop license covers beer, wine, and spirits in sealed containers. This includes beer in cans and bottles, wine in bottles, and liquor in bottles. The shop cannot sell alcohol in bulk, by the glass, or for on-premises consumption. It also cannot sell food, tobacco, or other retail goods—though some jurisdictions allow limited exceptions like ice or mixers.

Age verification is mandatory. Staff must check a valid ID for anyone who appears under 30 and refuse sales to anyone under 21. Violations result in fines and can lead to license suspension or revocation. Many toddy shops train employees on ID checking and keep records of their training.

Advertising and display rules also apply. Alcohol cannot be displayed in windows in a way that's visible from the street in some jurisdictions, and certain types of advertising are restricted. The specifics depend on local ordinances, so check with your local ABC board or business licensing office.

Operating hours and seasonal restrictions

South Carolina state law allows beer and wine sales from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Spirits have slightly different hours in some cases. However, local governments can impose stricter limits, and many do. Some counties prohibit Sunday sales entirely, while others allow 24-hour operation.

On election days, alcohol sales are prohibited from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in South Carolina. This applies to all retail alcohol sellers, including toddy shops. A few jurisdictions also restrict sales on certain holidays or during specific hours on holidays.

If you're opening a toddy shop, your local government will specify the hours you're permitted to operate. These hours are part of your license conditions and cannot be changed without local approval.

The difference between toddy shops and other alcohol retailers

South Carolina recognizes several types of alcohol retailers, each with different rules. A beer and wine store sells only beer and wine, not spirits. A package store or liquor store sells beer, wine, and spirits—essentially the same as a toddy shop, though the terminology varies by region. A grocery store or gas station may sell beer and wine but typically cannot sell spirits, depending on local law.

The key distinction is that all of these are off-premises retailers—nothing is consumed on-site. Bars, restaurants, and clubs are on-premises retailers and operate under entirely different rules. A toddy shop cannot serve drinks; it can only sell sealed bottles and cans for customers to take home.

Steps to open a toddy shop in South Carolina

If you're considering opening a toddy shop, start by contacting your city or county government to learn whether toddy shops are permitted in your area and what local requirements apply. Ask about zoning restrictions, distance requirements from schools or other retailers, and any caps on the number of licenses issued.

Next, identify a compliant location and secure a lease or purchase agreement. Then contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue's Alcoholic Beverage Control division to request a license application and fee schedule. You'll need to submit the application with proof of local authorization, a business plan, and details about the location and ownership.

While your state application is being reviewed, prepare for operation: obtain a business license, arrange insurance, set up your point-of-sale system, and train staff on age verification and compliance. The state review process typically takes several weeks. Once approved, you receive your license and can open for business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a toddy shop sell alcohol 24 hours a day?

State law allows it, but your local government may not. Many jurisdictions set closing times, often midnight or 1 a.m. Check with your city or county to learn what hours are permitted in your area before opening.

What's the difference between a toddy shop and a liquor store?

In South Carolina, the terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to off-premises retailers selling beer, wine, and spirits in sealed containers. "Toddy shop" is the traditional South Carolina term; "liquor store" is more common elsewhere.

Can I sell food or other items in a toddy shop?

Most jurisdictions prohibit it, though some allow limited exceptions like ice, mixers, or snacks. Your local government's regulations will specify what's allowed. Check before you stock your shelves.

What happens if I sell alcohol to someone under 21?

It's a serious violation. You face fines, and your license can be suspended or revoked. Many toddy shops require ID checks for anyone who appears under 30 and keep training records to demonstrate compliance.

Do I need a special permit to sell spirits, or just beer and wine?

A single toddy shop license covers beer, wine, and spirits. You don't need separate permits for each type. However, some jurisdictions may have different rules, so confirm with your local ABC board.