South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 7 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, BEER AND WINE
1. What Chapter 7 Is and Why It Exists
Chapter 7 of the South Carolina Code of Regulations contains the rules created by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) to enforce the state’s alcohol laws.
The General Assembly (legislature) passes alcohol laws
The Department of Revenue writes detailed regulations to carry those laws out
Chapter 7 is where those detailed rules live
Purpose of Chapter 7:
Control how alcohol is manufactured, distributed, sold, transported, and stored
Protect public health and safety
Ensure taxes and fees are properly collected
Prevent illegal sales, especially to minors
2. Who Must Follow Chapter 7
Chapter 7 applies to any person or business involved with alcohol in South Carolina, including:
Manufacturers (breweries, wineries, distilleries)
Wholesalers and distributors
Retailers (liquor stores, grocery stores, bars, restaurants)
Importers and transporters
Event organizers selling or serving alcohol
Employees who handle alcohol as part of their job
3. Types of Alcohol Covered
Chapter 7 separates alcohol into three main categories, because each is regulated differently:
A. Alcoholic Liquors (Spirits)
Liquor with more than 21% alcohol by volume
Examples: vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila
B. Beer
Malt beverages with low to moderate alcohol content
Includes draft and packaged beer
C. Wine
Includes wine, cider, and similar fermented beverages
May include rules for both domestic and imported wine
Each category has separate permits, taxes, and rules.
4. Licensing and Permits
A large part of Chapter 7 explains permits and licenses, including:
A. Types of Licenses
Examples include:
Manufacturer permits
Wholesaler permits
Retail beer and wine permits
Liquor store licenses
On-premises consumption permits (bars, restaurants)
Temporary and special event permits
B. Application Requirements
Regulations explain:
Who may apply
Background checks
Location requirements
Fees and renewal schedules
Posting and display of permits
C. Permit Conditions
Permit holders must:
Operate only at approved locations
Sell only approved products
Follow allowed days and hours of operation
Keep permits current and visible
5. Sales Rules and Restrictions
A. Who Can Sell
Only properly licensed businesses may sell alcohol
Sales outside permit terms are illegal
B. When Alcohol Can Be Sold
Chapter 7 enforces rules on:
Legal days of sale
Legal hours of sale
Restrictions on Sundays and holidays (depending on permit type)
C. Where Alcohol Can Be Sold
Must be sold only at approved, permitted locations
Storage and sales areas must meet regulatory standards
6. Age Restrictions and Identification
Chapter 7 supports state law that:
Persons under 21 may not purchase or consume alcohol
Sellers must verify age using acceptable identification
Failure to check ID can result in fines, suspension, or permit loss
The regulations explain:
Acceptable forms of ID
Employee responsibility
Consequences for violations
7. Advertising and Promotions
Regulations control how alcohol may be promoted, including:
Truthful advertising requirements
Restrictions on misleading claims
Rules about giveaways, discounts, and promotions
Prohibitions on promotions that encourage excessive consumption
8. Transportation and Storage
Chapter 7 includes rules for:
Legal transportation of alcohol within the state
Required documentation during transport
Storage conditions
Inventory tracking
This helps prevent:
Tax evasion
Illegal resale
Unauthorized distribution
9. Taxes, Records, and Reporting
Businesses must:
Pay required alcohol taxes
Keep detailed sales and inventory records
Submit reports to the Department of Revenue
Allow inspections and audits
Failure to comply can result in:
Fines
Permit suspension or revocation
Seizure of alcohol
10. Enforcement and Penalties
Chapter 7 explains how rules are enforced:
A. Inspections
Conducted by state authorities
May include record reviews and on-site checks
B. Violations
Possible penalties include:
Monetary fines
Temporary suspension of licenses
Permanent revocation
Seizure of alcohol products
11. Relationship to Other Laws
Chapter 7:
Does not replace state alcohol laws
Works alongside South Carolina statutes
Provides details that statutes do not spell out
If there is a conflict, state law controls, and regulations must follow it.
12. Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 7:
Protects public safety
Ensures fair business practices
Prevents illegal alcohol distribution
Supports responsible alcohol regulation
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