Is alcohol legal in South Carolina?

Q: Is alcohol legal in South Carolina?

Alcohol in South Carolina is legal only under specific conditions. South Carolina is not a control state: spirits are sold only at licensed retail liquor stores, where a single owner is capped at 3 licenses, while beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores. South Carolina liquor stores sell minibottles (50 ml) and standard sizes; mandatory minibottle pouring ended in 2006.

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SOUTH CAROLINA · ALCOHOL

Alcohol

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Conditional: South Carolina is not a control state: spirits are sold only at licensed retail liquor stores, where a single owner is capped at 3 licenses, while beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores.

Conditional

Summary

South Carolina is not a control state: spirits are sold only at licensed retail liquor stores, where a single owner is capped at 3 licenses, while beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores. South Carolina liquor stores sell minibottles (50 ml) and standard sizes; mandatory minibottle pouring ended in 2006.

Source: dor.sc.gov → · Updated July 23, 2026

South Carolina Alcohol topics

DUI / DWI Limits in South Carolina →Info
In South Carolina a DUI is 0.08% blood alcohol or higher for adults 21 and older (per se / inference of impairment), the limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02%, and commercial drivers are limited to 0.04.
Open Container Law in South Carolina →Restricted
South Carolina makes an open container of beer or wine in a moving vehicle unlawful unless it is stored in the trunk or luggage compartment, out of the passenger area.
Sunday Alcohol Sales in South Carolina →Conditional
In South Carolina, retail liquor (package) stores are closed on Sundays statewide, because historic blue laws partly remain.
Last Call Hours in South Carolina →Conditional
In South Carolina, liquor by the drink may be sold from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and never between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. on any day.
Beer & Wine in Grocery Stores in South Carolina →Permitted
In South Carolina, groceries and convenience stores sell beer and wine — but not spirits, and Sunday beer and wine sales exist only in counties and cities that passed a local-option permit.
Where to Buy Alcohol in South Carolina →Conditional
South Carolina is not a control state: spirits are sold only at licensed retail liquor stores, where a single owner is capped at 3 licenses, while beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores.

Other South Carolina laws

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