IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2008

CONTACT:
Cliff Dalton, Legislative Coordinator:
(864) 650-4131

Myrtle Beach Passes Discriminatory Ordinances

On Tuesday September 23rd 2008 the Myrtle Beach City council passed 15 draconian ordinances all in the name of public safety and welfare or so they say. Actually these ordinances are discriminating against a segment of the population and placing any financial shortfalls on the backs of their residents and businesses. Actions such as this are aimed at regulating personal behavior which poses the greatest threat to everyone’s liberties. Where will it stop?

We already have enough laws in effect. These ordinances will really put a strain on our law enforcement, that are overworked, under staffed and already have problems enforcing what we have on the books. This could potentially open up other areas of the city for crimes to take place. The cost of extra law enforcement was offset by the selling of vendor permits in the city. These ordinances will set a precedence which other municipalities may follow suit creating havoc upon our highways. All our road atlases and maps will need to contain the laws for that particular municipality so you’ll know if you’re breaking the law in that area or not. This could be the makings of a fiasco of grand proportions.

South Carolina Code of Laws 5-7-30 states that each municipality of the State, in addition to the powers conferred to its specific form of government, may enact regulations, resolutions, and ordinances, not inconsistent with the Constitution and general law of this State. The helmet ordinance is inconsistent with state law. The council states that these laws are for the safety and welfare of the public but we believe it’s to run off the motorcyclist that attend the rallies so they can pick and choose who they want to visit Myrtle Beach. Historically Myrtle Beach has run off the spring breakers in the early 90’s the hairdressers that used to visit in May and the Shriner’s who used to hold their yearly convention there, who will it be next? Myrtle Beach used to be a resort town, now it’s just a retirement community.

ABATE of South Carolina abhors these types of totalitarian enactments that remove liberties and freedoms of individuals and eventually, will start eroding individual rights granted to us under our Constitution. ABATE of South Carolina challenges the council on the grounds that the municipal power is exceeding the entity’s corporate powers, acting as if it is above state law.