New Moratorium on Cannabis and Tobacco Sales in Surfside Beach Amid Family-Friendly Image Concerns

New Regulations in Surfside Beach: What You Need to Know

Surfside Beach, that cozy little nook just south of Myrtle Beach, is making some waves (but not the fun kind you catch in the ocean). In a recent council meeting, the folks at the Surfside Beach town council decided to hit the brakes on any new businesses that sell cannabis-related products or tobacco paraphernalia. Yep, you read that right. They put a six-month moratorium in place! Why, you ask? Well, it’s all part of a careful rethink about what fits into the town’s “family-friendly” image.

Where It All Started

This shake-up comes right after the town shut down the infamous Delta Vape Shop. The buzz around town was that they were selling products with THC levels that exceeded the legal limits. This led to the town temporarily suspending the shop’s business license back on September 13. It sounds like things got a bit heated, and the town council felt it was best to pause new cannabis ventures while they figure out the lay of the land.

Planning for the Future

The council’s decision is intended to give the town’s planning commission time to craft some regulations regarding these kinds of businesses. Mayor Robert Krouse mentioned how this topic has been discussed “ad nauseum,” signaling just how much chatter has gone on about it. The council unanimously approved the moratorium with a vote of 7-0.

Adios, Delta Vape Shop

After the vote on the moratorium, the council also green-lighted a recommendation from the town attorney to officially revoke Delta Vape Shop’s business license. This had already been on the table due to a previous hearing on October 10. Seems like this shop is packing its bags and leaving Surfside Beach for good. Councilmember Laverne Kreklau mentioned that the owner, Jason Papotto, plans to relocate his business, making the council’s vote a bit of a moot point.

More Trouble for Delta 8

In an unrelated but equally juicy tidbit, a husband and wife were arrested at another Delta 8 dispensary in Surfside Beach following the execution of a search warrant. While the details on that are still coming in, it certainly adds to the conversation around cannabis in our little beach town.

A Little Perspective

Now, let’s take a step back for a second. It’s clear the town council is trying to protect Surfside Beach’s vibe as a family-friendly spot, but some residents are scratching their heads. After all, why is “everyone’s favorite beach town” okay with liquor stores and anything that sells alcohol? Many folks around here could wager serious cash that alcohol has created more issues—think injuries, accidents, and rowdy behavior—than anything cannabis-related ever has.

It’s an interesting debate that is sure to keep locals chatting over beers and burgers, maybe at one of those liquor stores! As the planning commission begins to tackle these regulations, it’ll be worth keeping an eye on how it all unfolds. For now, if you’re thinking about opening up a cannabis shop in Surfside Beach, you might want to hold off on that grand opening speech for at least six months!

What Do You Think?

If you’re a proud Surfside Beach resident or just a frequent visitor, how do you feel about the council’s decision? Do you see it as protecting the town’s image, or as a bit overboard? We invite you to drop your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep it friendly and respectful, just like our beautiful beach town!