Columbia Breathe a Sigh of Relief as New Brookland Tavern Returns from Brink
Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the beloved New Brookland Tavern gears up to reopen after a brief hiatus. The legendary rock club, a cornerstone of the local music scene, faced the daunting prospect of closing its doors due to persistent tax issues. But thanks to the generous outpouring of support from the community, its story is taking a promising turn.
A Temporary Closing Shakes the Community
The situation escalated when New Brookland Tavern had to close its doors on August 30. The club, struggling with tax issues that prevented the renewal of essential alcohol and retail licenses, found itself in a tight spot. As the updates circulated, many locals were left wondering if this iconic music venue would be lost for good.
Community Rallies Around New Brookland
In a heartfelt appeal for help, the Tavern launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, aiming to raise $75,000 to cover mounting expenses. By the following afternoon, the fund had collected over $18,000, allowing the club to make necessary payments toward its tax liabilities and set up a manageable payment plan. Owner Carlin Thompson expressed immense gratitude about the community’s support, noting how crucial it was for the venue’s survival.
Exciting Reopening Plans
With the funds in hand, the Tavern is set to reopen its doors on Friday with a much-anticipated performance by touring country artist Logan Crosby. The tickets for this concert were already selling like hotcakes, with nearly 300 tickets gone by the time news spread of their relaunch.
However, the venue will initially operate without alcohol sales as it awaits the renewal of its retail license. A spokesperson from the South Carolina Department of Revenue confirmed that as of Friday morning, the club still lacked that essential license.
The Challenges Ahead
The journey to stability remains fraught with challenges. Thompson previously described the situation as a “nightmare,” compounded by rising insurance costs and a strict state law mandating businesses like New Brookland to maintain at least $1 million in liability coverage. To regain its liquor license, the club will need to put down $18,000 on a policy that carries an annual premium of $70,000.
Creative Solutions and Community Support
Despite these obstacles, Thompson maintains an optimistic outlook. Since relocating to Five Points last December, where university vibes thrive, the New Brookland Tavern has found success with renting out its space to fraternities and sororities. In a noteworthy event, one night of rentals managed to generate more revenue than four live shows combined. “If it helps pay for it, then great,” Thompson stated, alluding to the club’s mission of supporting artists and fostering a vibrant music community.
The Tavern plans to diversify its income through an enhanced food menu, enticing patrons who may not be specifically drawn to music. Additionally, displaying lively entertainment on TVs at the entrance is among the strategies to increase walk-up business, which has already seen a noticeable uptick since moving locations.
Preserving Columbia’s Music Scene
One of the main objectives for Thompson is to keep New Brookland independent. The club has a reputation for hosting all-ages shows, making it an essential starting point for budding musicians in Columbia. Thompson voiced concerns about corporate giants like Live Nation taking over, which could alter the fundamental essence of the venue and dramatically reduce opportunities for local talent.
A Home for Local Music
Local musician Cameron Powell, who has been part of the scene for over a decade, recognizes the importance of New Brookland Tavern to Columbia’s music community. He notes that while other venues exist, very few offer the same commitment to local music on a nightly basis. “We just wouldn’t have our hometown rock club anymore,” he emphasized, highlighting how vital this space is for local artists.
As Columbia gears up for the Tavern’s reopening, excitement fills the air. Thanks to the strong community support and the perseverance of its owner, New Brookland Tavern is set to reclaim its place as a cherished epicenter of music, camaraderie, and creativity.
