As one Columbia line dancing bar closes, another country spot may rise again
One Columbia line dancing destination is no more, but there is potential for another shuttered country bar to once again welcome Columbia’s cowboys under new ownership.
Carolina Western Pub, which opened in the Vista district downtown in 2018, posted online in April that it would close unless state lawmakers provided relief for bars and restaurants facing high liquor liability insurance premiums. But while such a measure was passed by the Legislature near the end of this year’s session, the bar still shut down on May 16.
The solution received praise as a step in the right direction from some business owners and criticism from others who said they still wouldn’t be able to affordably sell alcohol after midnight under the new terms, among other complaints.
The bar’s statement expressed hope for a “miracle solution” to save it. But it appears that the new law, which won’t take effect until January 1, didn’t do enough. The two-story country joint’s owner couldn’t be reached for comment.
The State previously reported that the bar’s premiums had more than tripled, rising from around $7,000 in 2023 to $25,000 in 2024.
The bar was Columbia’s only dedicated spot for line dancing, wherein country fans do choreographed toe-tapping to country music. So where will fans of the popular pastime go now?
Another country bar near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Skyline Club, offered line dancing lessons and was known for live country music performances for decades. The World War II-era property went up for auction in January after closing in late 2023.
The historic property’s auction was overseen by Auction Management Corporation, founded by longtime real estate auctioneer Jeb Howell. Howell told The State that the Skyline Club property is under contract after bidding ended on January 30.
“We are very close to getting final items resolved so we can close,” Howell said in a statement. “Buyers have been clear that they want to continue as a nightclub.”
Howell mentioned that the auction company was worried about the debate over liquor liability insurance premiums affecting the sale of the Skyline Club property. The bar still went under contract, but is being held up by an “obscure little thing,” he said.
“There’s been some title issues that predate the owner,” Howell said. “Some of these things go back to 1949. They’ve just about gotten them all worked out, but it’s been a long haul.”
It’s not yet clear what the theme of the new bar would be, but features of the property, such as a raised dance floor, a “green room” for performers, a DJ booth and stage lighting, hold the possibility for the bar to host live music performances.
In the meantime, other Columbia-area stores and venues advertise occasional line dancing opportunities. Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor, located on Meeting Street in West Columbia, offers line dancing lessons, and has sessions scheduled every Thursday evening in June.
The Carolina Line Dance Facebook group has information on lessons offered at Crooked Creek Park in Chapin. According to a recent post, sessions will start again in October.
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
