Nightclub, burned in fire, faces other woes
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The Richland County fire marshal has ruled an early morning fire at Pandora’s Bar and Lounge as arson. It’s a business that’s no stranger to the headlines. Pandora’s is licensed to operate in Richland County as a sushi restaurant. A county investigation proved that it has instead been running as a nightclub, and at times, a strip club. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has opened a criminal investigation. “We’re gonna treat it just like any other investigation,” sargeant Kevin Lawrence says. “We’re going to send our investigators out to bring this person or persons to justice.” The sheriff’s office says it’s responded to the club for criminal activity a couple times with the past couple months. Richland County Councilman Seth Rose says nearby residents in his district have complained about late night noise and shootings. “We licensed that location to be a restaurant,” he says. Pandora’s is supposed to serve sushi, but it’s Facebook page, and a county investigation, suggests otherwise. The councilman prompted the probe, which produced enough evidence for the county to close the business back in mid-August. “They closed initially and then kind of ignored it.” Pandora’s is awaiting trial with the county. If you know anything about the fire, call CRIMESTOPPERS of the Midlands at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
