Surfside Beach mulls possible change to open container law

SURFSIDE, S.C. (WBTW) — The Surfside Beach Pier Committee on Monday discussed during their meeting agenda possibly changing the open container law in the Entertainment District.

Surfside Beach Mayor Robert Krouse said right now, the change is only a topic of discussion and that town council has not looked into the possible change at all.

He said if it were proposed and were to pass, that it would cover many business. He said that he understands the benefits of it for both locals and visitors, but said he would not be in favor of people openly crossing the streets that would be in the theoretical zones.

“I would not even think we would consider this until the fall and maybe something you’d see next season if we want to pursue it,” Krouse said.

At Neal and Pams Bar and Grill, manager Kim Simmons said that if it were to eventually pass in the community that it would be a game changer for businesses in the area, allowing people to walk from place to place and enjoy various entertainment.

“Oh, it would be a huge effect, it would be a huge effect,” she said. “A lot of people like to grab something here and either like I said, you know, go down to the beach or to run to the other places and check them out and be able to take their cocktail with them.”

Simmons said it would also draw more people in from outside of the community to possibly want to stay in the community. Creating a fun, upbeat and causal environment.

One regular at the local restaurant, Butch Crawford, said that if it were to change, it would help get rid of the possible “old way of thinking”.

“It’s been like that forever, and I think it’s 2024 and people can be responsible,” he said.

While one family that regularly visits Surfside Beach for family vacation each summer said that he’s worried if it were to pass, that it would end up with drunk people he’s seen in Myrtle Beach.

He said if it were to change, it could change the entire feel of the community and even possibly put his young ones in harms way.

“Whose to say someone stumbles out, starts drinking and like I said, runs into my kid or bumps into somebody, has an argument,” Yohnathan King said.

Others vacationing from Kentucky said it could be a reason for them to come, allowing them to possibly enjoy their vacation drinks on the beach rather than just looking at it.

“If you’re walking from club to club or to the beach or something, I think it should be OK for an open container law as long as it’s not glass and if you’re an adult,” Dave Santana said.

* * *

Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter , Facebook or Instagram , and read more of her work here .

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