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Alcohol sales hours in South Carolina are governed by a combination of state law, license type, alcohol category, and local ordinances. For consumers, understanding these rules helps avoid confusion and illegal purchases. For businesses and employees, selling alcohol outside permitted hours is one of the fastest ways to trigger fines, enforcement action, or license suspension.
This guide provides a clear, state-specific breakdown of alcohol sales hours in South Carolina, including beer, wine, and liquor, with distinctions between on-premises and off-premises sales, Sunday restrictions, and local authority variations.
Who Sets Alcohol Sales Hours in South Carolina?
Alcohol sales hours are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) through the Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) Division. However, counties and municipalities are allowed to impose stricter rules than the state baseline.
This means:
- State law sets the framework
- Local governments can narrow sales hours
- Businesses must comply with both state and local rules
- A sale that is legal in one county may be illegal in another
Failure to account for local ordinances is a common compliance mistake.
How South Carolina Categorizes Alcohol Sales
Alcohol sales hours depend on three primary factors:
1. Type of alcohol
- Beer
- Wine
- Liquor (distilled spirits)
2. Type of consumption
- On-premises (consumed at the location)
- Off-premises (taken to go)
3. License & permit status
- Standard license
- Sunday sales permit
- Local approval
Each category carries different restrictions.
Beer Sales Hours in South Carolina
On-Premises Beer Sales (Bars, Restaurants, Hotels)
Licensed establishments selling beer for on-site consumption may generally operate:
- Monday–Saturday: During approved business hours
- Sunday: Only if the establishment holds a valid Sunday permit and local ordinance allows sales
Local governments may:
- Restrict late-night beer sales
- Set mandatory service cutoffs
- Limit hours near residential zones or campuses
Off-Premises Beer Sales (Grocery & Convenience Stores)
Retailers selling beer for off-premises consumption may generally sell:
- Monday–Saturday: During normal business hours
- Sunday: Allowed in many jurisdictions, but subject to local approval
Some counties or municipalities:
- Prohibit Sunday beer sales entirely
- Restrict early morning or late-night sales
- Impose holiday-specific bans
Wine Sales Hours in South Carolina
Wine sales hours closely mirror beer sales but may carry additional licensing conditions.
On-Premises Wine Sales
- Allowed during approved operating hours
- Sunday sales require a permit and local authorization
- Local cutoffs may apply
Off-Premises Wine Sales
- Permitted in grocery and retail stores
- Subject to local Sunday sales approval
- May be restricted on holidays
Liquor Sales Hours in South Carolina (Strictest Category)
Liquor (distilled spirits) is regulated far more strictly than beer or wine.
Off-Premises Liquor Sales (Liquor Stores)
Liquor stores in South Carolina:
- May sell liquor Monday–Saturday
- Must remain closed on Sundays statewide
- Must comply with state-mandated closing hours
- Are subject to holiday restrictions
Sunday liquor sales in liquor stores are never permitted, regardless of local preference.
On-Premises Liquor Sales (Bars & Restaurants)
On-premises liquor sales depend on:
- License type
- Sunday permit status
- Local ordinance approval
Without a Sunday permit:
- Liquor sales on Sundays are prohibited
With a Sunday permit:
- Liquor sales may be allowed during approved hours
- Some jurisdictions still prohibit Sunday liquor service
Sunday Alcohol Sales in South Carolina (Key Clarification)
Sunday alcohol sales are not guaranteed anywhere in South Carolina.
Important Rules:
- Beer and wine sales on Sundays depend on local ordinance
- Liquor sales require a special Sunday permit
- Some counties prohibit all Sunday alcohol sales
- Sunday rules may differ between on-premises and off-premises sales
Always verify county and city regulations before selling or purchasing alcohol on Sundays.
Holiday & Special-Day Alcohol Sales Restrictions
Alcohol sales may be restricted or prohibited on:
- Christmas Day
- Certain election days
- Local observances or events
Restrictions vary by:
- Alcohol type
- License category
- Local authority decisions
Businesses should never assume normal hours apply on holidays.
Why Alcohol Sales Hours Are a Major Compliance Risk for Businesses
Selling alcohol outside permitted hours is one of the most commonly cited alcohol law violations in South Carolina.
Risks Include:
- Fines and penalties
- Temporary suspension of sales
- Liquor license revocation
- Increased enforcement scrutiny
- Insurance complications
- Repeat-offense escalation
Even accidental violations — such as a sale minutes after cutoff — can trigger enforcement.
Employee Responsibilities Related to Sales Hours
Employees involved in alcohol sales must:
- Know the legal sales cutoff times
- Stop service promptly at required hours
- Refuse sales outside legal windows
- Follow management directives
- Cooperate during inspections
Employees cannot rely on “not knowing” the law as a defense.
Role of Training in Preventing Sales-Hour Violations
South Carolina requires state-recognized alcohol server training for on-premises service.
Training helps employees:
- Understand legal sales hours
- Identify local ordinance differences
- Avoid accidental violations
- Respond correctly to compliance checks
Many enforcement cases involve untrained or poorly trained staff.
Local Ordinances: The Most Overlooked Factor
Cities and counties may:
- Shorten allowable sales hours
- Ban Sunday sales entirely
- Restrict late-night alcohol service
- Require additional permits
Businesses must:
- Monitor ordinance changes
- Update internal policies
- Retrain staff when rules change
Ignoring local law is one of the fastest ways to lose compliance standing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time does alcohol sales stop in South Carolina?
There is no single statewide cutoff. Sales hours depend on alcohol type, license, and local ordinance.
Can liquor stores sell alcohol on Sundays?
No. Liquor stores are prohibited from selling liquor on Sundays statewide.
Can bars sell alcohol after midnight?
Only if permitted by state law and local ordinance.
Are businesses fined for selling after hours?
Yes. After-hours sales are a common enforcement violation.
For Employees
Understand sales-hour rules to protect your job and employer.
Get South Carolina–recognized alcohol server training
For Owners & Managers
Prevent costly violations by training staff on sales-hour compliance.
Enroll your team in alcohol compliance training (bulk options available)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and reflects industry practices, regulatory interpretations, and publicly available guidance at the time of writing. It is not intended to constitute legal advice, regulatory advice, or a definitive interpretation of applicable law. Alcohol service laws, licensing requirements, and compliance obligations may vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified legal counsel, regulatory authorities, or appropriate compliance professionals before making operational or legal decisions.
