ABC Package Store in South Carolina: What to Know Before You Go

What ABC Package Store sells and where to find locations

ABC Package Store is South Carolina's state-run retailer for beer, wine, and liquor. Unlike convenience stores that stock a limited selection, ABC stores carry a full range of spirits, wines, and beers in dedicated locations across the state. You cannot buy liquor at a gas station or grocery store in South Carolina—ABC Package Store is where those purchases happen.

ABC operates roughly 170 locations statewide, from Charleston to Greenville to smaller towns in the Lowcountry and Upstate. You can find the nearest store by visiting the ABC website and using their location finder, which shows hours, address, and phone number for each branch. Some locations are larger and stock a wider selection; others are smaller and carry essentials.

Store hours vary by location but typically run from morning through evening, seven days a week. A few locations have reduced Sunday hours. Calling ahead is worth doing if you are looking for a specific brand or type of spirit, since inventory can differ between stores.

Key Takeaways

• ABC Package Store is the only legal retailer for liquor in South Carolina; beer and wine cannot be purchased at grocery stores or gas stations.
• The state operates roughly 170 locations, and you can search for the nearest one on the ABC website by address or zip code.
• Prices are set by the state, so you will pay the same amount for the same bottle at any ABC location.
• You must show a valid ID to purchase any alcohol, and ABC staff will check it every time regardless of age.
• ABC stores accept cash and card, though some smaller locations may have ATMs on-site if you need cash.

How ABC's state pricing works

South Carolina's ABC system sets the price of every bottle of liquor sold in the state. This means a bottle of bourbon costs the same at an ABC store in Charleston as it does in Spartanburg. You cannot negotiate or find sales on spirits the way you might at a grocery store in another state.

Beer and wine prices are not controlled the same way—those can vary slightly between stores and are sometimes discounted. Liquor prices, however, are fixed. This system exists because the state controls the wholesale purchase and distribution of spirits, and markup is standardized across all locations.

If you are comparing prices to other states or online retailers, remember that South Carolina's ABC prices include state taxes and the state's markup. You cannot order liquor online and have it shipped to South Carolina; all spirits must be purchased in person at an ABC store.

What ID you need and age requirements

You must be 21 years old to purchase beer, wine, or liquor in South Carolina. ABC staff will ask for a valid photo ID every time you buy alcohol—this is not optional, and they will not make exceptions based on appearance. Valid IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card.

Expired IDs are typically not accepted, so check your ID before you go. If you do not have a valid photo ID with you, the store cannot sell you alcohol. This applies even if you are a regular customer or if someone else in your group is of legal age.

If you are buying alcohol as a gift for someone else, that person must be present and show their ID. You cannot purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is not there, and doing so is illegal.

Payment methods and what to bring

ABC Package Stores accept both cash and credit or debit cards. Most locations have card readers at the register. If you prefer to pay with cash and do not have enough on hand, many ABC stores have ATMs inside or nearby, though not all locations have them.

Bring your valid photo ID, as noted above. If you are buying a large quantity of alcohol—for a party, event, or business—some ABC stores can place special orders or hold stock for you. Call ahead to ask about bulk purchases or items not currently in stock.

ABC does not offer online ordering or curbside pickup at this time. You must visit a store in person to make your purchase.

Return and exchange policies

ABC Package Store allows returns within a set timeframe if a bottle is unopened and in original condition. The exact return window varies, so ask at your local store or call ahead to confirm their specific policy. If a bottle is opened, damaged, or missing the original packaging, it typically cannot be returned.

If you purchased a bottle and it is defective—leaking, corked improperly, or otherwise damaged—bring it back with your receipt. ABC will usually exchange it for a replacement or issue a refund. Keep your receipt if you think you might need to return something.

Differences between ABC stores and other retailers

In many states, you can buy liquor at grocery stores, gas stations, or independent liquor shops. South Carolina is different: the state holds a monopoly on spirits sales through ABC Package Store. This means you cannot buy a bottle of vodka at your local supermarket or convenience store, no matter how late it is.

Beer and wine have fewer restrictions. You can buy beer at some grocery stores and gas stations, and wine is available in more places than liquor. But if you are looking for spirits—whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, tequila—ABC is your only legal option.

This system also means ABC stores do not compete on price the way private retailers do in other states. You will not find sales or discounts on liquor, though beer and wine promotions do happen occasionally.

Planning your visit and finding what you need

Before heading to an ABC store, know what you are looking for. If you want a specific brand or type of spirit, call the store first to confirm they have it in stock. Smaller locations may not carry every product, especially premium or specialty bottles.

The ABC website includes a store locator and contact information for each location. You can also call customer service if you have questions about a product, pricing, or whether a particular item is in stock at your nearest store.

If you are new to buying alcohol or unsure what to choose, ABC staff can answer basic questions about types of spirits and common uses, though they are not sommeliers or mixologists. For detailed recommendations, you might also check online reviews or spirits blogs before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy liquor at a grocery store or gas station in South Carolina?

No. Liquor can only be purchased at ABC Package Store locations. Some grocery stores and gas stations sell beer and wine, but spirits must come from ABC. This is a state law that applies everywhere in South Carolina.

What time do ABC stores close?

Hours vary by location, but most ABC stores are open from morning through evening, seven days a week. Some locations have reduced Sunday hours. Check the ABC website or call your nearest store for exact hours.

Can I return an opened bottle of alcohol?

No. ABC will only accept returns on unopened bottles in original condition. If a bottle is opened or damaged, it cannot be returned. Keep your receipt in case you need to return an unopened purchase.

Do ABC stores have the same prices everywhere?

Yes, liquor prices are set by the state and are the same at every ABC location. Beer and wine prices may vary slightly between stores. You will not find sales on spirits, though beer and wine promotions happen occasionally.

What if my local ABC store does not have the brand I want?

Call the store and ask if they can special order it for you. Some ABC locations can place orders for items not currently in stock. You may need to wait a few days for the order to arrive, and there may be a minimum purchase requirement.