Jay’s Bar and Grill Faces Potential 45-Day Liquor License Suspension Amid Underage Drinking Violations

COLUMBIA — Jay’s Bar and Grill Faces Liquor License Suspension

It’s a rainy day in Columbia, and things aren’t looking so bright for Jay’s Bar and Grill in The Vista. After having its fair share of trouble, the venue is now waiting for a judge to decide on whether it will face a 45-day liquor license suspension along with a hefty fine of $1,500. This comes on the heels of numerous alcohol-related violations that have raised eyebrows from both local law enforcement and community officials.

A Troublesome Reputation

Since opening its doors in January 2023, Jay’s has attracted hefty scrutiny thanks to a laundry list of violations primarily centered around underage drinking. According to attorney Dana Krajak, who represents the state’s Department of Revenue, the bar has become known as a “troubled location,” where the youth are frequently seen flaunting the law. “By its design, it’s an underage bar,” Krajak stated during a hearing on October 29. It’s not just bad luck; there’s been a perceived unwillingness on the part of the bar to collaborate with local law enforcement, further complicating matters.

Serious Violations

Evidence presented in court shows that Jay’s has encountered real issues with underage individuals gaining access to the bar. A state law enforcement operation conducted in December 2023 spotlighted serious lapses in security protocols. During this undercover operation, an underage informant was able to enter the bar without her ID being scanned and was later served a beer in clear sight of law enforcement.

In fact, over the past ten months, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has logged around 80 citations for minors possessing alcohol or fake IDs at Jay’s. That’s a staggering amount when compared to other establishments in the region. Police investigator Michael Crowley pointed out that this location tends to target a much younger crowd, noting, “The bar is oriented toward a mostly college- and sometimes high school-aged demographic.”

Steps Toward Improvement

While the violations paint a grim picture, the defense, represented by attorney John Alphin, insists that Jay’s is doing its best to rectify the situation. Alphin emphasized that the bar has already made significant changes since the December incident, including investing in advanced ID scanners, improving staff training, and implementing wristbands to identify patrons over 21. Furthermore, both the doorman and bartender involved in the underage incident have been fired, indicating a proactive approach to solving these concerns.

“We absolutely own that we made a mistake,” Alphin admitted, acknowledging that the bar had faced challenges getting on its feet initially. Alphin praised the staff’s effort to become a “model citizen” since March 2024, stating that no violations have occurred since then, even though approximately 40 individuals were ticketed for underage drinking within that timeframe.

A Courtroom Drama

During the recent court proceedings, tensions were palpable as both sides presented their arguments. Krajak argued that the measures introduced by Jay’s have not been sufficient to keep underage drinking in check, while the defense portrayed the bar as a reformed entity eager to cooperate with legal regulations. They even suggested a lower fine of $25,000 instead of the proposed suspension, arguing that they’re working hard to prevent future infractions.

The judge, Robert Reibold, left the courtroom without issuing an immediate ruling, which means patrons will need to be patient. Alphin believes a decision could take anywhere from two to four months, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats.

What’s Next for Jay’s?

As Jay’s liquor license renewal date looms on November 12, the stakes are high. If the suspension is approved, they hope it can begin after the late-December rush of college patrons returning home for winter break.

As Columbia watches this case unfold, it offers a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that come with running an establishment that serves alcohol. With so much at stake for the bar and its owner, one must wonder how the future will unfold for Jay’s Bar and Grill. The community hopes for a resolution that not only keeps patrons safe but also allows a local business to thrive.