MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Businesses in the Superblock area of Myrtle Beach are reacting after Myrtle Beach City Council voted to close the bars in the area at 2 a.m..
“From a business standpoint, having those bars closed, yes, I am personally happy,” said Robert Atkinson, an employee at Myrtle Beach Room Escape. “The fact that people are going to say, ‘Hey look it’s a safer area now.’ That’s a good thing for us as a business.”Myrtle Beach Room Escape is only a few doors down from Pure Ultra Club, where five people were shot in November.
“When people are worried about, you know, some of the issues that have been going on, then they’re less likely to want to come,” added Atkinson.
He hopes the perception of the Superblock area will change so businesses that are not bars can still thrive.
“There needs to be a better perception of it because it does affect businesses,” said Atkinson. “It’s unfortunate because there are fun things to do here.”
Atkinson hopes events like the Plaza City Market will bring in more people and a more positive light to the area. He also hopes the new curfew will curb the crime.
“Whether the bars are open or closed we’re still going to provide fun,” he said. “The bars aren’t going to change that.”
