Columbia, SC, September 23, 2025

News Summary

The Woody on Main, a popular bar and dance club in Columbia, SC, will close after Halloween due to skyrocketing liquor liability insurance costs. Co-owner Jennifer Windham cited annual insurance costs rising from $10,000 to $56,000 as unsustainable for the business. Despite exploring new legislation aimed at reducing these costs, the financial burden remains too great. The Windham family is seeking a new venue to continue their father’s legacy, potentially transitioning to a restaurant concept. The establishment has been integral to Columbia’s nightlife and will host final celebrations before closing.

Columbia, S.C. – The Woody on Main to Close After Halloween

The Woody on Main, a well-known bar and dance club in Columbia, South Carolina, will cease operations following Halloween due to exorbitant liquor liability insurance costs. Co-owner Jennifer Windham revealed that the financial burden of insurance is too great to sustain the business, despite recent legislative attempts to lower insurance rates.

The establishment, named in honor of Woody Windham, a beloved local radio host who passed away in 2021, has been a vibrant part of Columbia’s nightlife scene. The Woody initially opened in the Vista area but relocated to downtown Columbia in February 2020, just weeks before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Windham family is actively searching for a new venue to continue their father’s legacy. Their vision is to reimagine The Woody in a new location, likely shifting the focus towards a restaurant that emphasizes food alongside beverage offerings. Windham reported that the annual cost for liquor liability insurance has skyrocketed from approximately $10,000 to a staggering $56,000, a figure that significantly impacts their operations.

In 2017, a local law mandated that establishments serving alcohol after 5 p.m. maintain a $1 million liability insurance policy. Although a new law set to take effect in January will allow businesses to potentially reduce their insurance requirements by implementing risk-reducing measures—such as limiting alcohol sales and closing by midnight—Windham has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of these changes, mainly due to lower-than-expected revenue from food sales.

According to Robert Hartwig, an expert from the University of South Carolina, the new regulations may provide some long-term relief for bars; however, the immediate impact remains to be seen. Additionally, many insurance companies have withdrawn coverage options for bars in South Carolina, leaving only a handful of providers available for coverage.

As the closure date approaches, The Woody has planned several events, including Halloween festivities and a final drag brunch, celebrating its vibrant past and community impact. The venue has been recognized as the Best Dance Club and Best Place to See a Drag Show in Columbia, and its closure will certainly create a void in the region’s entertainment landscape, especially following the recent shutdown of Carolina Western Pub.

Following The Woody’s closure, Hendrix, an upscale restaurant, plans to take over the space with a new pizza concept. Meanwhile, the Windham family remains dedicated to their commitment to honor their father’s legacy and look forward to finding a new space where The Woody can thrive once again.

Summary of Key Information

• Closure Date: Post-Halloween 2023
• Reason: Rising liquor liability insurance costs
• Original Location: Vista, relocated to downtown Columbia in February 2020
• Annual Insurance Cost: Increased from $10,000 to $56,000
• New Legislation: Effective January, with potential for policy reductions
• Future Plans: Search for new location with a restaurant focus
• Events Leading to Closure: Halloween celebrations and final drag brunch
• New Occupant: Hendrix plans to introduce a pizza concept

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Additional Resources

• The State – The Woody on Main to Close After Halloween
• Wikipedia: Liquor Liability Insurance
• Post and Courier – The Woody on Main Street Closing
• Google Search: Columbia South Carolina Nightlife
• Cola Daily – The Woody on Main Closing Its Doors
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia
• Cola Daily – Main Street District Appoints New Operations Manager
• Google News: Columbia SC Bars

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