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Columbia Limited permit to sell liquor by the drink, who may obtain; time limited ordinance (§ 4-50)

Chapter 4: Alcoholic Beverages · Article II. Intoxicating Liquor

In short: Churches, schools, and civic, service, fraternal, veteran, political or charitable groups can get a permit to sell liquor by the drink or in original packages at a picnic, bazaar, fair or similar gathering. The permit is $15, covers named days only, up to seven days total, and sales may begin at 6:00 a.m.

Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.

Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, a permit for the sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption on premises where sold, including intoxicating liquor in the original package, may be issued to any church, school, civic, service, fraternal, veteran, political or charitable club or organization for the sale of such intoxicating liquor at a picnic, bazaar, fair, or similar gathering. Said permit shall be issued only for the day or days named therein and it shall not authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor for more than seven (7) days by any organization as described above. On any day of such gathering where liquor is sold, the sale of liquor may begin at 6:00 a.m. For each such permit issued, the licensee shall pay to the city the sum of fifteen dollars ($15.00). No provision of law or rule or regulation of the city shall prevent any wholesaler or distributor from providing customary storage, cooling or dispensing equipment for use by the holder of the license at such picnic, bazaar, fair, or similar gathering.

Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 4-50

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.