Where to Buy Alcohol in South Carolina and What the Rules Are

What you need to know about buying alcohol in South Carolina

South Carolina's alcohol laws are stricter than many states, and where you can buy what depends on the type of drink and the day of the week. Beer and wine are sold in grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores, but liquor (spirits over 20 percent alcohol) is sold only through ABC stores—state-run shops operated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. On-premise consumption (bars and restaurants) follows different rules than off-premise (taking alcohol home). Hours vary by day and by what you're buying, and some counties have their own restrictions on top of state law.

You must be 21 to buy any alcohol, and retailers are required to check ID for anyone who appears under 40. The rules that apply to you depend on where you live—some counties are stricter than the state, and what's legal in one place may not be legal in another.

Key Takeaways

• Beer and wine can be bought at convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations, but liquor is sold only at ABC stores run by the state.
• Hours for off-premise sales (taking alcohol home) are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
• Some counties and cities have stricter rules, so what's legal in one place may not be legal in another—check your local government's ordinances.
• You must be 21 to buy any alcohol, and retailers are required to check ID for anyone who appears under 40.

Where to buy beer and wine

Convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations throughout South Carolina carry beer and wine. These retailers stock a range of domestic and imported beers, ciders, and wines. Hours for off-premise sales are set by state law: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight. Some individual stores may close earlier than the legal limit allows.

Not every convenience store carries alcohol—some choose not to stock it. Call ahead if you're looking for a specific brand or type. Prices vary by retailer and brand, and some stores run promotions on beer and wine, particularly around holidays. Most stores will not accept returns on beer or wine once you've left the store, so check the product before you pay.

Where to buy liquor and spirits

ABC stores are the only legal place to buy liquor (distilled spirits) in South Carolina. These state-run stores are operated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and are located in most towns and cities. You can find your nearest ABC store by visiting the ABCC website or calling their customer service line. ABC stores carry a wide selection of whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, tequila, brandy, and other spirits.

ABC store hours follow the same off-premise sales window as convenience stores: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight. Prices at ABC stores are set by the state, so they are the same across all locations. ABC stores do not accept returns on opened bottles, and most do not accept returns on unopened bottles either—check the specific store's policy before you buy.

Age verification and ID requirements

You must be 21 years old to buy any alcohol in South Carolina. Retailers are required by law to check a photo ID for anyone who appears to be under 40 years old. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. Expired IDs are not accepted.

If you do not have an ID or your ID is expired, you will not be able to buy alcohol. Retailers who sell to someone underage face fines and potential loss of their license, so they enforce this rule strictly. Keep your ID with you whenever you plan to buy alcohol, even if you look much older than 21.

Local restrictions and county rules

Some South Carolina counties and cities have their own alcohol laws that are stricter than state law. For example, some counties limit the hours for off-premise sales, restrict the types of alcohol that can be sold, or prohibit sales on certain days. A few areas are "dry" counties where alcohol sales are banned entirely, though these are rare in South Carolina.

Before you buy, check your local city or county government website or call the local government office to confirm what is allowed in your area. The rules that apply to you are the stricter of the two: state law or local law, whichever is more restrictive. If you're traveling to a different county, take a moment to look up the rules there.

On-premise consumption at bars and restaurants

Bars, restaurants, and other establishments with on-premise licenses can serve alcohol for consumption on their property. These venues have different hours than off-premise retailers. Most bars can serve until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on Saturday nights (technically Sunday morning), though some close earlier. Restaurants that serve alcohol may have different hours depending on their license type.

On-premise establishments also follow the same age requirement: you must be 21 and have a valid photo ID. Some venues card at the door, and others card when you order. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions on bars and restaurants, such as noise limits or closing times. Hours and policies vary by location, so call ahead if you're unsure.

Wine and beer tastings at breweries and wineries

South Carolina allows wine and beer tastings at breweries, wineries, and some retail locations. These events are subject to state and local rules about hours and the amount of alcohol that can be served per person. If you attend a tasting, you still need to be 21 and have a valid ID.

Some breweries and wineries offer tours that include tastings. These are popular in the Lowcountry and Upstate regions. Hours and availability vary by location, so contact the venue directly to learn about their tasting schedule and any fees. Many tastings are free or low-cost, though some charge a small fee that may be waived if you purchase a bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy alcohol on Sunday in South Carolina?

Yes. Off-premise sales (convenience stores, grocery stores, ABC stores) are open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight. On-premise venues (bars and restaurants) can serve alcohol on Sunday during their regular hours, which typically extend until 2 a.m. or later depending on the establishment and local rules.

What's the difference between beer, wine, and liquor in South Carolina?

Beer is typically under 12 percent alcohol and is sold at convenience stores and grocery stores. Wine is usually 12 to 20 percent alcohol and is also sold at convenience stores and grocery stores. Liquor (distilled spirits) is over 20 percent alcohol and is sold only at ABC stores. The type of retailer and the hours of sale depend on which category the drink falls into.

Do I need to show ID if I look older than 21?

Yes. South Carolina law requires retailers to check ID for anyone who appears to be under 40 years old. Even if you look much older, a retailer can ask for ID, and you must provide one. If you don't have a valid photo ID, the retailer cannot sell you alcohol.

Can I buy alcohol in one county and take it to another county with stricter rules?

Yes, you can transport alcohol across county lines for personal use. However, once you're in a county with stricter rules, you must follow those rules. For example, if you buy beer in a county with no restrictions and take it to a dry county, you cannot legally consume it there. Check local rules before you travel with alcohol.

What happens if a store sells alcohol to someone underage?

The retailer faces fines, suspension of their alcohol license, or permanent loss of the license. The person who bought the alcohol also faces criminal charges. This is why retailers check ID carefully and refuse sales when they cannot verify age.