With eyes turning toward the state Legislature to see how they might help with skyrocketing insurance rates, a Cayce restaurant and bar has announced it will close as a result of the escalating expenses.

Henry’s of Cayce revealed via Facebook Jan. 7 that it will close its doors by the end of January

“Due to the increased Liquor Liability insurance we cannot continue to operate,” the business posted.

“We would like to thank all of our former and current employees for their loyalty, dedication and hard work. Without you, we would not have made it for almost seven years. We would also like to thank all of our loyal regulars and patrons who have supported us over the years.”

The local chain opened its Cayce location at 2108 State St. in 2017. The bar still has a location on Devine Street in the Shandon area of Columbia and another in northeast Columbia.

The post specifically thanks Cayce Mayor Elise Partin and the city’s police and fire departments for supporting Henry’s since opening a location in the city, along with the Cayce Arts Guild and Everplay of Columbia.

Henry’s didn’t offer an exact date for the closure, expressing a hope that people will “come see us in our last few weeks of being open. Our menu may be somewhat limited due to our impending closing.”

Concern over escalating insurance rates has been growing in recent months, with the group S.C. Venue Crisis and other bar and restaurant owners urging representatives at the Statehouse to take action when they return to session this month.

The rising costs are caused by a requirement in South Carolina that all businesses with beer or liquor licenses must maintain liability insurance that covers at least $1 million, leading to an increase in the rates insurance companies are offering to bars in the state.

Asheton Reid, director of community outreach for S.C. Venue Crisis, told the Chronicle last month that more than 10 businesses had already shut their doors as a result of the requirements, as impacts from the 2017 law become more severe.

S.C. Venue Crisis is set to host a rally at the Statehouse Tuesday, Jan. 9 to advocate for tort reform, including liquor liability.

Another popular bar in the Cayce-West Columbia area, WECO Bottle and Biergarten, told the paper recently that if its insurance costs continue to rise, it could be forced to close, explaining that its policy increased about 300% when it renewed the policy in October.

“Not only do we have zero claims here… We don't even serve liquor and most of our stuff is to go,” WECO owner Phill Blair said. “I can't think of the reason why it would triple in one year with no incidents whatsoever, other than it's what's happening to everyone.”

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.