North Myrtle Beach Wins Legal Battle Over Beach Gear Rental Monopoly

North Myrtle Beach Beach Gear Legal Battle Wraps Up

Nobody likes a good old legal wrangle, but if you’ve been following the saga between North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove Beach Gear, it’s finally reached a conclusion! After two long years of courtroom drama and back-and-forth, the judge has made a decision, and the city is celebrating a win.

The Lawsuit Breakdown

It all kicked off back in July 2022 when the owners of Cherry Grove Beach Gear, Derek and Jacqueline Calhoun, decided to take North Myrtle Beach to court. They claimed that the city was violating antitrust laws and said they had been defamed—talk about a strong statement! Their main argument? They felt the city was monopolizing the rental of beach gear. That’s right; the beach chair industry was at the center of this legal mess!

Fast forward to September 6, when the court finally dropped the gavel. The official court order stated that, yes, North Myrtle Beach does have a monopoly on beach equipment setup, but it’s perfectly legal under South Carolina law. The judge pointed out that the city has prohibited commercial transactions on public beaches since a 1981 ordinance was passed. This long-standing rule also prohibits advertising and selling right there on the sandy shores. It’s like a beach party, and everyone has to follow the same rules!

What’s the City’s Stance?

In light of the ruling, North Myrtle Beach expressed its gratitude and made it clear that while they want local businesses to thrive, safety and well-being come first. The city said, “We want all businesses to thrive in our community, but they must adhere to laws and regulations put into place for the safety and well-being of our citizens and visitors.” So there you have it. Rules are rules!

The Aftermath for Cherry Grove Beach Gear

As for Cherry Grove Beach Gear? Well, it seems they’ll have to take a step back when it comes to setting up beach chairs and umbrellas. In their recent Facebook statement, they shared the tough news: “A decision has been reached, summary judgment has been granted and our case has been dismissed in favor of the city. We are no longer allowed to set up chairs on the beach.” They did hint, however, that they would keep their loyal patrons informed about the next steps. So stay tuned!

Business as Usual for Others

Meanwhile, other beach gear companies have found a way to work around the ordinance. Instead of setting up on the beach, many are now delivering chairs, umbrellas, and other beach toys right to rental homes and hotels. This actually opens a whole new avenue for beach gear rentals, helping to keep the spirit of fun alive. After all, who doesn’t love a good beach day?

The Big Picture

Now, here’s something to chew on: beach gear rentals are a big deal in North Myrtle Beach. In fact, they rake in up to $3 million annually in revenue! It’s a significant part of the local economy, and you can bet your flip-flops that everyone wants to see it thrive, just while adhering to the laws in place.

The Bottom Line

So, what’s the takeaway from this entire situation? As captivating as courtroom drama can be, it also serves as a reminder that local laws aren’t just red tape; they’re put in place to keep our community safe and enjoyable for everyone. To Cherry Grove Beach Gear, let’s hope you find a path forward soon, and to everyone else, happy beach lounging!