Permits for a Bar / Nightclub in Greenville, South Carolina

Permit authorizing the sale of beer and wine for on-premises or off-premises consumption. Issued by the SC Department of Revenue. Separate permits exist for on-premises and off-premises sales.

License for nonprofit organizations operating private clubs to sell liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption. Members-only establishments. Requires proof of nonprofit status and membership records.

Permit to sell beer and wine for on-premises consumption at restaurants, bars, and similar establishments. Less expensive than a full liquor license. Biennial renewal based on county schedule.

License authorizing the retail sale of alcoholic liquors for off-premises consumption. Issued by the South Carolina Department of Revenue, Alcohol Beverage Licensing division. Requires SLED background check ($26). South Carolina transitioned from minibottles to free pour in 2006.

Most SC cities require businesses operating within city limits to obtain a general business license based on gross income. Typically renewed annually by April 30. Fee varies by municipality and gross revenue. Contact your city clerk for specific requirements.

Local business license required by most South Carolina municipalities and counties. South Carolina does not have a state-level general business license; each city/county issues its own. Fee is typically based on gross receipts. The SC Business Licensing Officials Association provides standardized guidelines.

Registration with the SC Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding on employee wages. Required for all employers with employees working in South Carolina.

Registration with SC Department of Employment and Workforce for state unemployment insurance tax. Required if you have 1+ employees. New employer rate is approximately 1.55% on first $14,000 per employee.

South Carolina requires workers' compensation for employers with 4+ employees. Competitive-state system. Covers medical and wage-loss benefits for work-related injuries.

South Carolina requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 4 or more employees. Coverage must be obtained from a commercial carrier. The SC Workers' Compensation Commission oversees compliance.

Certificate from the State Fire Marshal or local fire department confirming fire code compliance. Required for restaurants, bars, assembly venues, and any business open to the public.

Inspection and approval by the State Fire Marshal or local fire department. Required for commercial establishments. Covers fire suppression, emergency exits, occupancy limits, and alarm systems.

At least one person in charge at each food service establishment must hold a valid food protection manager certification from an ANSI-accredited program. Required under SC DHEC food safety regulations.

Permit required for all food service establishments in South Carolina. Issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Requires plan review, pre-opening inspection, and ongoing compliance with SC Retail Food Establishment regulations.

Certification for food handlers in South Carolina. Certified food protection manager required per establishment. Training available from approved providers. Now administered by SC Department of Agriculture.

Permit required for all retail food establishments in South Carolina. Now administered by the SC Department of Agriculture (transferred from DHEC in 2023). Initial permit fee of $100 plus annual inspection fee based on gross sales volume. Requires plan review for new or remodeled facilities.

Local permit required for installation of business signage in South Carolina. Regulated by municipal and county zoning ordinances. Most jurisdictions require permits for wall signs, monument signs, and illuminated signs.

Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services in South Carolina. Issued by SCDOR. SC state sales tax is 6% plus local option taxes up to 3%. Apply online through MyDORWAY or mail Form SCDOR-111.

Registration with the SC Department of Revenue for the collection and remittance of state and local sales tax. Required for all businesses making retail sales of tangible personal property. South Carolina state sales tax is 6% plus applicable local taxes. Registration is free.

Registration with SC DOR for state income tax withholding. South Carolina has graduated rates from 0% to 6.4%. Required for all employers.

Certificate from local building department confirming a commercial space meets building, fire, and zoning codes for the intended use. Required before operating any business in a new or renovated space in South Carolina.