MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Myrtle Beach city leaders told business owners they’re tired of all the trash they’re seeing, and they need to clean up their properties.
A new ordinance the city considers would help make sure that happens.
City leaders say they’ve been struggling with businesses who dump trash or refuse to clean up litter or weeds around their property, and now the new ordinance could allow the city to suspend the business license for those who don’t comply.
Datresa Davis and her husband are visiting Myrtle Beach, but the litter that fills the streets and alleys behind businesses makes them want to reconsider their destination.
“After I get on the ocean, it’s totally different, but just walking around, it looks raggedy,” said Davis.
That’s the impression David Sebok with the Downtown Redevelopment Corporation wants to change.
“It’s been a struggle. Again, not with everybody, but with enough that it’s become of concern to us and of the city council,” said Sebok.
Monday, piles of trash could be seen behind businesses, just feet from where visitors park to walk to the beach.
“I mean, it’s your property, it’s our customers, and it’s, you know, the city. So, I hope we can get better compliance,” said Sebok.
For visitors, better compliance would mean better reviews, which means more money for people in Myrtle Beach.
“The cleaner, more advertisement, ‘oh, we went to Myrtle Beach, it was clean, we had fun’ Then you run back. Word of mouth is everything,” said Davis.
Sebok says Withers Alley, near Ocean Boulevard, has been one of the problem areas for litter.
He says they also plan to look at what the city can do to help, including adding trash cans and small dumpsters.