Golf cart rental business says temporary suspension of license by Myrtle Beach will lead to financial ruin

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — A golf cart rental business facing a 45-day ban in Myrtle Beach wants a judge to step in, saying the city’s decision to suspend its franchise license could cost it nearly $500,000.

Rent Me Superstore is barred from doing business through July 26. The company, which has three stores in the city, learned about the possible suspension on May 21 after falling behind on its business license and decal fee payments, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in Horry County Common Pleas Court.

The complaint says that all payments were then made in full, but on May 28 city leaders moved forward with the suspension, which took affect on June 11. The city has accepted tardy payments in the past from the business without any further action.

“Based on this past course of conduct, Rent Me Superstore believed any issues were resolved once payment was made,” the lawsuit states.

Spokeswoman Meredith Denari told News13 on Tuesday that the city doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

Missing out on revenues during the suspension period would cost Rent Me Superstore about $450,000, according to the suit. Rent Me Superstore has had annual franchise licenses for more than seven years. The business currently does not have outstanding payments to the city.

“Without these highest grossing days, Plaintiff will lose employees, goodwill, marketing and contracts with third parties, such insurance companies or his landlord, which are jeopardized by being unable to earn income during the suspension,” the suit states. “Every day Rent Me Superstore is suspended threatens the survival of the company.”

Attorneys for the business are asking a judge to intervene and lift the suspension.

“The Court should also take into account that the City of Myrtle Beach is not harmed by lifting the suspension temporarily; but on the contrary, allowing the suspension to continue would likely ruin Plaintiff’s business,” the suit says.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12 . See more of his work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.