Policies

Food and beverages are offered through the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center’s onsite and exclusive caterer, OVG Hospitality. All OVG Hospitality prices are subject to a 22% management charge and all applicable taxes.

OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Outside food or beverages is not allowed in the facility. If outside food and beverages are brought to an event, the customer will be charged at 150% of the current OVG Hospitality menu price.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SAMPLING

Exhibitors may distribute food and beverage samples in authorized booth space. The Vendor Sampling form must be completed and approved ten (10) days prior to the event. Food and beverage items that are to be sampled must be items that represent or are manufactured by the exhibitor. Food and beverage items must not be in competition with any items offered by OVG Hospitality. Samples are limited to 2 ounces. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be sampled. Exhibitors handing out samples are required to have all necessary permits on file with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
 

BEVERAGE SERVICE

The South Carolina Department of Revenue, Alcohol and Beverage Licensing regulate alcohol and beverage services. As a licensee, OVG Hospitality is responsible for the administration of these regulations. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought on the premises without written consent. If approved, a corkage fee will be assessed. OVG Hospitality will dispense all alcohol brought on the premises. In accordance with state regulations, we reserve the right to request a state or government issued photo ID from any guest to verify age. OVG Hospitality reserves the right to refuse alcohol service to underage guests and to guests who appear to be intoxicated. No more than two alcoholic beverages will be served to a guest in one transaction.
 

LINENS

All hot meal functions include standard sized black table linens (not floor length) and standard black napkins. Linens are included in the event space where your meal function is served, based on your final guaranteed guest count given to OVG Hospitality. OVG will supply (1) linen per table for 60” and 72” rounds.  All 72” round tables require a 2nd standard linen to cover the table, which will be charged at $8 each. 

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS

OVG Hospitality will accommodate special dietary requests that are given by the client when the menu is finalized ten (10) business days before the event. OVG Hospitality will prepare vegetarian dinners equal to 1% of the final guarantee for plated meals unless a vegetarian guarantee is provided to the Catering Sales Manager.

MENU SELECTIONS/ MINIMUM GUEST COUNT

Menus must be finalized and a minimum guest count given ten (10) business days prior to your event.  OVG Hospitality will accommodate special dietary requests five (5) business days before an event. OVG Hospitality reserves the right to make minor changes to key ingredients if unable to be sourced due to reasons beyond the control of both parties.  Items priced by the piece or by the dozen require quantities for each item.

GUARANTEES

Final guarantees for guest count are due by noon, five (5) business days prior to your event. Items priced by the piece or by the dozen require quantities for each item. If you do not provide OVG Hospitality a final guarantee, your original estimates will be considered as your final guarantee and you will be billed accordingly. Once your final guarantee is given to your Catering Sales Manager the number may not be reduced. If the guaranteed number is increased after the final guarantee deadline, a 25% late fee will be incurred. OVG Hospitality will prepare an additional 3%, but no more than 30 plated meals for your event. If the meals are served to your guests you will be billed accordingly. 

CONCESSION STANDS

If you would like to offer a concession stand for your event attendees, clients must guarantee $100 in sales per hour, with a four hour minimum. If concessions minimum is not met, client is responsible for paying the difference. A built-in concession stand is available in the Exhibit Hall. Stands may also be set in the following locations depending on your contracted space: Carolina Prefunction, Ballroom Prefunction and the Registration Area. Enjoy our traditional Concessions Menu offerings with the option to customize, which includes additions from our Specialty Menus. Please contact your Catering Sales Manager for further information.

LABOR

Catering staff are scheduled in 6 hour shifts for each meal period. These shifts include set up, event service and breakdown. Events requiring additional time for service will incur an additional charge of $25.00 per hour, per staff member.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE CHARGES

All food and beverage is subject to a 22% Management Charge, 8% Sales Tax, 2% Hospitality Tax, as well as a 5% liquor tax, if liquor is served at your event. If you are tax exempt, an ST-9 certificate must be given to your Catering Sales Manager prior to your event. Sales tax is not refundable. The Management Charge is not paid to employees as a gratuity. All menu prices are subject to change. OVG Hospitality will not guarantee price quotes for more than 90 days.

MANAGEMENT CHARGE

All catered events are subject to a 22% Management Charge. This Management Charge is the sole property of the food and beverage service company or the venue owner, as applicable, and is used to cover such party’s costs and expenses in connection with the catered event (other than employee tips, gratuities and wages) and is not charged in lieu of a tip. The Management Charge is not a tip, gratuity, or service charge, nor is it purported to be a tip, gratuity, or service charge, for any wait staff employee, service employee, service bartender, or other employee, and no part of the Management Charge will be distributed (as a tip, gratuity, or otherwise) to any employee who provides service to guests.

BILLING

All events must be paid in full prior to your event unless you have requested and been approved for credit. A non-refundable 50% deposit is due 30 days prior to your event. Your remaining balance must be paid in full five (5) business days prior to the event, when the final guarantee is given to your Catering Sales Manager. OVG Hospitality accepts credit cards, cashiers and certified checks. If payment is not received in full prior to the event and exceeds 30 days past due, a 1.5% late fee charge will be incurred and added to the finalized invoice.
If mailing a check, please mail check to:

OVG Hospitality
1101 Lincoln St
Columbia, SC 29201

A 3% convenience fee (minimum $1.00) will be assessed on all payments made by credit card.  This fee will be due at the time of credit card payment and is subject to sales tax and non-refundable.  No transaction fee will be assessed on payments made by check or debit card.

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellation of a food function must be sent in writing to your Catering Sales Manager. Cancellations received 7 business days prior to the scheduled event will result in a fee equal to 100% of the estimated Food and Beverage charges.