How to Start a Liquor Store in South Carolina

Make sure that all licenses and permits are obtained before opening your liquor store.

Starting a liquor business in South Carolina can be a profitable venture. Liquor is one of the top selling beverages in the U.S. Before opening a liquor business, make sure that all licenses and permits are obtained and all funding is secure. A liquor store should be conveniently located on a main road so that it's visible to passersby. It may be wise to install security cameras in and around the store.

Things You'll Need

• Business plan
• Liquor license
• Start-up funding
• Retail license
• Floor plan
• Advertisements

Instructions

1. Research and plan out your business. Develop an extensive business plan complete with start-up summary, marketing strategies and financial plans. Determine what types of liquor you will sell. The Small Business Administration (SBA) can further assist in helping with resources for starting a business.

2. Select a name for your liquor store and register the name with the South Carolina secretary of state. Your business name should be something memorable and catchy.

3. Select a location for your liquor store. The location should be easily seen and have parking space and storage space.

4. Find start-up funding. Funding is available in a few forms including loans, grants and through community programs. Debt financing, equity financing and local revolving loan funds from the SBA are additional resources for funding.

5. Apply for a liquor license with the state of South Carolina. Application forms and other forms can be found on the South Carolina Department of Revenue website. The forms required include Application for Business Local Option, Notice of Application, Alcohol Beverage Licensing Lawful Presence and Application for Retail Beer. A few other forms and a few permits can also be found on the website.

6. Apply for a retail license at the South Carolina's Department of Revenue. You may do this online or in person. Applying for a retail license allows you to sell merchandise in your store.

7. Come up with a floor plan. Make sure that you know exactly what every inch of space will be used for. Utilize your space in the interest of the customers. For instance, place chips and snacks in the front of the store. Customers may come in to buy liquor and see the snacks in the front and add them to their purchase.

8. Call the IRS or visit the IRS website, and apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The IRS will ask for specific business and personal information; have all relevant information handy.

9. Advertise your business everywhere including newspapers, magazines and local radio stations using flyers, business cards and banners. Advertising is a key factor in the success of your business, so making sure the right people see your advertisements is crucial.

References

• South Carolina Secretary of State
• South Carolina Department of Labor
• Small Business Administration
• Internal Revenue Service