Columbia Community Rallies to Save New Brookland Tavern Amid Licensing Crisis

Columbia Rallies to Support New Brookland Tavern

The vibrant city of Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the treasured New Brookland Tavern, a beloved rock club and hub for local music, appears to be on the rebound after a tough week. The tavern, known for hosting fantastic shows for over two decades, faced a temporary closure when it was unable to renew its alcohol and retail licenses due to pressing tax issues. But the community stepped up in a big way, demonstrating just how much they value this local gem.

A Call for Help

On August 30, New Brookland had to close its doors, leaving the music-loving community anxious about its future. Owner Carlin Thompson took to the internet for help and launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $75,000 to address looming expenses. In just over 24 hours, the response was overwhelming. Fundraising efforts brought in over $18,000, providing enough for Thompson to make a significant down payment on the taxes owed and establish a payment plan with the expectation that the club would reopen for business.

Reopening Plans and Exciting Shows Ahead

Thanks to the generous support from fans, New Brookland is set to reopen its doors just in time for an exciting show featuring touring country artist Logan Crosby this Friday, which has already sold nearly 300 tickets! While the club will initially operate without alcohol sales, the aim is to regain its retail license as swiftly as possible. The South Carolina Department of Revenue hasn’t provided immediate updates, but Thompson remains hopeful that the club can get back to serving drinks soon.

Finding New Ways to Thrive

The last week was filled with uncertainty for Thompson as he found himself forced to shift two planned shows to Augusta, Georgia. But, he is determined to find other revenue avenues to keep the club afloat. Since moving to the new location in Five Points, the tavern has started renting the space for events hosted by local sororities and fraternities. One night even brought in more profit than several shows combined!

“It was a nightmare,” Thompson shared about the recent turmoil. “But if doing some fraternity rentals here and there allows us to book the bands we love, then it’s worth it.” Other plans to boost revenue include enhancing the food menu to attract diners and installing TVs at the entrance to showcase the festivities inside, hoping more passersby will be drawn in.

The Heart of Local Music

Thompson is all too aware that for rock clubs like New Brookland, alcohol sales are a critical revenue source. “We absolutely need to have alcohol sales because that is what brings in the most income,” he emphasized. Maintaining the club’s independence is essential, not just for its viability, but for the entire Columbia music scene as well.

Offering all-ages shows is particularly crucial, as this provides a first step for younger fans getting involved in the city’s vibrant music culture. Many in the community are concerned that if a big corporation like Live Nation took over, it could present significant challenges, including higher ticket prices and tougher restrictions that would reduce performance opportunities for local bands.

A Community Effort

Local musician Cameron Powell, who has been part of the Columbia scene for over a decade, echoed Thompson’s sentiments. “If New Brookland closed, we just wouldn’t have our hometown rock club anymore,” he said. With few venues booking local acts throughout the week, losing New Brookland would mean fewer chances for Midlands bands to showcase their talents.

The resilience of Columbia has shined through over this past week, showcasing just how much the New Brookland Tavern means to its patrons and the local music ecosystem. As the doors prepare to open once again, the communal spirit to save this iconic venue has never been stronger. And perhaps, just perhaps, the music is about to get even louder in Columbia!