Columbia’s New Brookland Tavern Struggles with Closure Amid Licensing Issues and Community Support

Columbia’s New Brookland Tavern Faces Closure Challenges

Columbia, SC – It’s always sad when a local music venue has to shut its doors, even if it’s just for a little while. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s happening at New Brookland Tavern, a cherished spot for music lovers in our community. After a temporary closure last week due to some hiccups with ownership transfer and licensing issues, Carlin Thompson, the owner, is aiming to get things back on track as soon as possible.

Originally, two evening metal shows were to take place this week, headlined by The Fall of Troy on Wednesday and Oceano on Thursday. But due to the current challenges, these shows will now be moving nearly an hour and a half down I-20 to Grantski Records in Augusta, Georgia. This marks the third and fourth shows that have been relocated since New Brookland Tavern’s unexpected closure following a show cancellation on September 1.

Relocation and Community Support

Last Friday, a much-anticipated album release for local band Hillmouse found a new home at Bluetile Skateshop, right across Harden Street. Over the weekend, another local metal lineup featuring Wiltwither was held at the familiar Vista rock club The Senate. It’s clear that Columbia’s music scene is rallying to support local bands and keep the music flowing, even during trying times.

Thompson, who has been an integral part of New Brookland for years now, officially took over ownership just a few months ago. However, he’s facing delays in transferring the ownership due to unresolved tax matters. This situation has complicated the process of obtaining a retail license to operate the venue legally. The South Carolina Department of Revenue recently confirmed that New Brookland Tavern currently lacks a retail license, which is also affecting their ability to serve alcohol.

To make matters a bit more complex, New Brookland Tavern didn’t manage to meet the renewal deadline for its beer and wine licenses last month. Thompson mentioned that the tax situation has taken a toll on the club’s operational capabilities, making it difficult to re-establish the necessary permits.

Hope on the Horizon

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. “We are gonna get it settled,” Thompson shared confidently. He is optimistic that the retail licensing issues will be resolved as early as this week, allowing the beloved venue to reopen its doors to fans soon.

The Tavern has been a staple music venue since at least 1998, first moving from West Columbia to the vibrant Five Points area back in December. This new location has opened more opportunities for hosting shows, particularly attracting college crowds. They’ve even arranged pop-up shows in the past, including a recent late-night punk event that drew many local music aficionados.

Financial Struggles Ahead

That said, navigating through the challenges does come with its burdens. One significant barrier for the club’s reopening is the rising costs of liquor liability insurance, which have surged due to state regulations requiring bars to maintain a minimum of $1 million in coverage. To regain the ability to serve their infamous drinks, New Brookland Tavern will have to pay a whopping $70,000 in insurance, with an $18,000 down payment needed upfront.

Thompson expressed his frustration, stating, “The amount on the quotes [is] too much for a down payment with this whole situation, too.” Clearly, reopening is not just about flipping a switch; it requires a lot of planning and financial acumen.

Looking Forward

Fans of live music in Columbia and the surrounding areas can only hope that Thompson and his team will resolve these impediments swiftly. With New Brookland Tavern’s continued commitment to showcasing local talent and delivering unforgettable experiences, it’s hard not to feel optimistic about the future.

As we await the reopening news, let’s continue to support our local artists and venues as they work through these challenging times. After all, it’s the lively music scene that brings our community together!