Restaurant Permits & Licenses in Charleston, SC

Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a restaurant in Charleston, SC. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.

South Carolina Retail License

South Carolina Department of Revenue
Required
Fee: $50.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: license

South Carolina Assumed Name Registration

South Carolina Secretary of State
May Apply
Fee: $10.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

If operating under different name

South Carolina Food Service Permit

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Required
Fee: $100.00-$400.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

South Carolina Food Handler Certification

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Required
Fee: $15.00
Renewal: 3 year
Type: certificate

For all food service employees

South Carolina Certified Food Manager

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Required
Fee: $35.00
Renewal: 5 year
Type: certificate

At least one certified manager required

South Carolina Liquor License

South Carolina Department of Revenue
May Apply
Fee: $5.00-$3000.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: license

If serving alcohol

South Carolina Workers' Compensation Coverage

South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
Required
Fee: $0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

If having employees

South Carolina Fire Safety Permit

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Required
Fee: $50.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

South Carolina Certificate of Occupancy

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Required
Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

South Carolina Sign Permit

South Carolina Department of Revenue
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

If installing signage

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