Columbia Required security measures ordinance (§ 13-262)
Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations · Article X. Convenience Store Security
In short: Convenience stores must have a camera system covering everyone entering and anyone within five feet of the register, a drop safe, a "limited funds" sign at the entrance, adequate lighting, clear views of the cashier area, entrance height markers, a phone or panic alarm behind the counter, and a cash limit policy from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a convenience store unless the following security measures are in effect:
(1) The convenience store must have a security camera system which records and is capable of retrieving the image of all persons entering the convenience store and all persons approaching within five (5) feet of the cash register.
(2) The convenience store must have a drop safe or cash management device for restricted access to cash receipts and a conspicuous notice at the store entrance which states that the cash register contains limited funds.
(3) The convenience store must have lighting for parking areas, entrances or other areas of the store accessible to the public at an intensity providing clear visibility under normal conditions.
(4) The convenience store must have an unrestricted view of the cashier area from outside and inside the building.
(5) The convenience store must have height markers at the entrance of the store.
(6) The convenience store must have a telephone or holdup panic alarm device behind the sales counter for easy access by store employees.
(7) The convenience store must enforce a cash management policy to limit cash on hand at all times after 8:00 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 13-262
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.