News Summary
Baileys, a new bar, has applied for a liquor license at 920 Lady St. in Columbia’s Vista district, aiming to provide beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption. The establishment plans to fill the space left by the closed Carolina Western Pub. With job postings already released, community members are eager to see how Baileys will revitalize the local nightlife scene. The new bar seeks to enhance the vibrant atmosphere of the area known for its diverse social offerings.
Columbia Sees New Bar ‘Baileys’ Apply for Liquor License in Vista District
A new bar, Baileys, has submitted an application for a liquor license at 920 Lady St. in Columbia’s popular Vista district. The establishment seeks permission to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption and aims to fill the space previously occupied by the now-closed Carolina Western Pub.
Current hiring notices for positions at Baileys Tavern have been posted on recruitment platform Zip Recruiter, suggesting that preparations for the bar’s launch are underway. However, as of Friday afternoon, Baileys did not have an official website or active social media presence to promote its upcoming opening.
The establishment will attempt to attract patrons to an area known for its vibrant nightlife and social scene, featuring a range of restaurants, shops, bars, and art galleries. The Vista district has maintained its status as a sought-after destination in downtown Columbia, continuing to draw visitors and locals alike.
Background on Carolina Western Pub
Carolina Western Pub, which operated from 2018 until its closure in May 2023, was a popular venue particularly known for its line dancing and lively weekend atmosphere. The pub garnered a loyal clientele thanks to its entertainment offerings and social vibe.
The closure of Carolina Western Pub was primarily attributed to rising operational costs, specifically a significant increase in liquor liability insurance. This critical financial burden saw the pub’s insurance premiums skyrocket from approximately $7,000 in 2023 to a staggering $25,000 in 2024. This dramatic increase ultimately led to the establishment’s decision to cease operations.
Implications for the Vista District
As Columbia welcomes the proposed opening of Baileys, locals and visitors alike express curiosity about how the new venue will fill the void left by Carolina Western Pub. The Vista district, characterized by its active nightlife, is closely monitored by residents who hope that new establishments will continue to foster community engagement and social activities.
The submission of Baileys’ liquor license application marks a significant step forward in the revitalization of the area following the discouraging closure of a beloved local establishment. With Baileys planning to enhance the entertainment options available in the Vista district, there is potential for a renewed focus on local nightlife as community members look for alternatives in the area.
In summary, with Baileys seeking a liquor license and actively recruiting staff, Columbia’s Vista district is poised for a new chapter in its vibrant bar scene following the closure of Carolina Western Pub. The community is left watching closely as Baileys progresses toward its opening and hopefully breathes new life into the local nightlife atmosphere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Overhauls Restaurant Inspection Protocols
Lexington Closes Tap House After Rebranding
Columbia, S.C. Sees Surge in Mixed-Use Developments
West Columbia School District Offers Free Meals
Remembering Bart Kenneth Pensa: A Legacy of Kindness
West Columbia Provides Free Meals for Students
Lexington Welcomes New Mexican Restaurant Na’cho Margarita
Na’cho Margarita Opens New Location in Lexington
Cleanup Nears Completion at Maurice’s Piggie Park
Flood Advisory and Flash Flood Warning for Local Counties
Additional Resources
- The State
- Post and Courier
- KOMU
- WLTX
- Columbia MO Magazine
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Columbia nightlife
- Google Scholar: Columbia bar scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google News: Columbia Vista district
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
