This will be the third locally owned beer garden/brewery/bar to announce its closure since mid-September 2025
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Midlands is losing yet another locally-owned beer garden due to the rising cost of doing business.
Citing issues surrounding the state’s liquor liability insurance law, The Dales Biergarten & Bottle Shoppe, located at 3150 Platt Springs Rd. in West Columbia, announced on social media Sunday evening that the business will be closing after Friday, October 17.
This comes a week after Columbia Craft Brewing Company in Columbia’s Vista District announced the closure of its taproom. The business, formerly located at 520 Greene St., said challenges involving an evolving market, rising costs, and increased competition went into its decision to close.
In West Columbia, The Dales says it will be open this week and will feature a concert by Tokyo Joe on Thursday and a Halloween party on Friday.
The Facebook post also says, “We also want to take a moment to encourage everyone who cares about the future of local businesses like ours to raise your concerns with your South Carolina state representatives. The current laws and insurance requirements are making it nearly impossible for small, independent venues to survive. Your voice can help create change.”
South Carolina’s liquor liability law was also cited as the main reason for the announcement of the upcoming closure of The Woody on Main. Owner Jennifer Windham said on September 22 she did not want to close the bar and dance club founded by her father, Woody Windham, but liquor liability insurance for the establishment had risen from $10,000 per year to $56,000 per year. The Woody is set to close after Halloween.
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