MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- City Council will have first reading on an ordinance to close drinking establishments at 2 a.m.
“After 2 a.m. things are much livelier in a bad way,” said City Spokesperson Mark Kruea.
According to Kruea, this isn’t the first time Myrtle Beach has considered shutting bars down at 2 a.m.
“It didn’t get a majority vote on council, he explained.
Now that Horry County has passed first reading on an ordinance, Kruea says the city will reconsider.
“The question then becomes will all of the after 2 a.m. activity move into the city of Myrtle Beach, then you’re dealing with more problems instead of less problems because the county changed their rules,” he said.
Ashley Leahy bar tends at Ole’ Shillelagh. She says a lot of people,. including herself work in the service industry and need late night place to go and relax.
“They will have a beer, they will have a glass of wine they want to sit and hang out with their friends, play a game of pool,” she said.
Leahy says dangerous activity can happen after 2 a.m. but well managed bars keep it under control.
“Depending on the bartender that you are and the service that you’re providing, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re maintaining a cool environment and they get home safely no matter what,” said Leahy.
City Manager John Pedersen said he would consider an ordinance that grandfather’s in certain businesses.Myrtle Beach City Council will have first reading Tuesday.
Horry County’s ordinance needs to pass two more readings before it is final.
