Columbia’s Nightlife Affected as Jay’s Bar & Grill Closes for Repairs and License Issues

Columbia’s Nightlife Takes a Hit as Jay’s Bar & Grill Closes for Repairs and License Issues

Columbia, get ready for a quieter holiday season ahead! For the next ten days, the hustle and bustle of the Vista will be dialed down a notch as Jay’s Bar & Grill temporarily shuts its doors. This closure isn’t just for a little touch-up work; it follows some significant legal troubles that have plagued this hot spot in the heart of the arts district.

What’s Behind the Closure?

On its Instagram, the popular bar announced its closure citing minor construction and the need to repair some pesky water lines. However, the timing coincides with a ruling that has lots of people talking. An administrative law judge recently imposed a license suspension for the bar after discovering it repeatedly sold alcohol to underage individuals—a serious issue that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been hunting down for some time now.

According to John Alphin, a lawyer for the bar’s owner, Jay Kalin, the liquor license is on hold until December 15. Kalin also paid a hefty $26,000 fine as part of this legal drama. It’s not just a little bump in the road; just between November 2022 and April 2024, the Columbia Police Department logged a staggering 22 incidents related to the bar. And from January 2023 to June 2024, police received 162 calls to the very same location, with authorities saying the majority of those calls came from Jay’s.

A Worrying Pattern

Michael Crowley, a Columbia Police Department inspector, hinted that Jay’s record is not typical compared to other establishments in the area. This scrutiny indicates that more than just a few late-night parties were happening there.

So what led to all this trouble? Reports show that since Jay’s opened, SLED issued a whopping 80 citations for alcohol or ID violations! Some of these included serving alcohol to two individuals under 18. Talk about bad news!

Improvement Measures? Not Until It Was Too Late

After sifting through all the red flags, Judge Robert Reibold decided on a 35-day suspension of the alcohol license. However, he offered an alternative: if Jay’s paid an additional $25,000, the suspension could be cut down to just 10 days. Kalin had already been protesting decisions from the state Department of Revenue dictating a lengthier suspension.

Just recently, an undercover operation revealed that a 19-year-old was able to buy a beer without their ID being scanned. This was all captured by SLED agents, clearly indicating that there were some serious lapses in responsibility at the bar. In light of these incidents, two staff members were fired, and another was suspended without pay.

Changes in the Works

While this all paints a grim picture, Kalin has made strides to turn things around. For instance, staff training has stepped up, ID scanners have been purchased, and a new wristband system has been implemented to confirm guest ages. Furthermore, the bar is planning to enhance its layout to bolster compliance efforts. It’s clear they’re trying—but a little too late for their reputation!

The judge acknowledged these corrective actions but noted they didn’t occur until the Department of Revenue raised concerns. Despite all of this, the judge has said he wants to ensure the bar complies with the law rather than just punishing it outright. That makes sense, especially since Jay’s employs around 42 people, contributing a hefty $40,000 to $60,000 monthly toward payroll expenses.

What’s Next for Jay’s?

Mark your calendars, folks! Jay’s Bar & Grill is set to reopen its doors on December 16 at 8 p.m. As the local nightlife continues to face challenges, the community keeps its fingers crossed for a brighter future for Columbia’s entertainment scene. All we can do now is wait and see how the events unfold in the coming days!