Columbia Community Rallies to Save New Brookland Tavern Through Fundraising Efforts

Columbia Rallies to Support New Brookland Tavern

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the beloved New Brookland Tavern, a local hotspot for music lovers and rock enthusiasts, seems to have found a lifeline. This esteemed venue, known for hosting a variety of performances, faced some serious troubles when it had to temporarily close its doors on August 30 due to some nagging tax issues that prevented it from renewing its alcohol and retail licenses. But the community showed up in full force to save the day!

A Call for Help

This past Wednesday afternoon, the team at New Brookland Tavern launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $75,000 to cover mounting expenses and taxes. Patrons and fans didn’t waste any time stepping up, and by Thursday afternoon, they had already raised over $18,000! This incredible response allowed owner Carlin Thompson to make a down payment on the taxes owed and set up a payment plan, paving the way for the venue to regain its retail license and get back to business.

The announcement was nothing short of a sigh of relief, especially with country artist Logan Crosby set to perform that Friday—a show that had already sold nearly 300 tickets. Although the club will initially operate without alcohol sales, this funding allowed them to keep the music flowing and retain their scheduled shows moving forward.

History of Support

Thompson expressed some hesitance about asking for assistance, especially after the club had successfully raised nearly $38,000 via another GoFundMe last fall to help fund their move from West Columbia to their current location at 632 Harden St. in Five Points. To ensure patrons felt appreciated, the fundraising campaign offered a range of rewards—including up to a year of free shows for generous donations. Thompson was clear: they needed help, and thankfully, the community delivered.

Facing Financial Challenges

Earlier this week, things looked pretty bleak for New Brookland when Thompson candidly shared, “I have no idea what we’re going to do.” The daunting tax issues coincided with rising insurance costs, leading to the unfortunate decision to relocate two scheduled shows to Augusta, Georgia. Like many venues in South Carolina, New Brookland faced hefty insurance prices, compounded by a law requiring businesses like theirs to maintain a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage.

For the club to restore its liquor license, another $18,000 would be needed toward a policy that costs an astounding $70,000 per year. But amidst the challenges, Thompson remains hopeful, confident that revenue can be boosted through various means. Since moving to Five Points, New Brookland has discovered success with rentals to local sororities and fraternities, with some events generating more revenue in one night than several shows combined.

Future Plans

Looking forward, Thompson is considering enhancing the food menu to attract non-music lovers, and he’s also thinking about cutting down the number of shows when student attendance is low. With potential plans to install TVs at the entrance showcasing acts inside, the hope is to draw in foot traffic and keep the venue bustling.

Importance to Local Music Scene

New Brookland Tavern’s survival holds significant importance for Columbia’s local music scene. The venue proudly hosts “all-ages” shows, ensuring young musicians and new fans have a space to start their journey into the music world. Thompson stresses that if a big company like Live Nation were to swoop in, it would alter the open and supportive atmosphere that New Brookland has fostered.

Cameron Powell, a local musician who has spent over a decade sharing his tunes, underscored the value of New Brookland, noting that few clubs offer a stage for local artists quite like this one. “We just wouldn’t have our hometown rock club anymore,” he lamented, emphasizing the loss that would resonate in the community if the venue were forced to close its doors.

For now, the outlook is optimistic, with a community that has shown its unwavering support and a venue that is determined to keep the music alive. New Brookland Tavern stands as a reminder that with a little help from friends, even the toughest battles can be overcome. Cheers to a vibrant music scene and a beloved venue that refuses to back down!