Horry County public safety talks Bike Week rules

The Horry County Public Safety Committee had a message for all those wishing to apply for special event permits for the spring bike rally – you must abide by the rules.

Committee Chairman Brent Schulz chaired a special meeting Thursday of public safety, where the sole topic of discussion was the specific rules the county has when dealing with special event permits for Bike Week.

Schulz said there has been confusion over the years about the laws, and he wanted the opportunity to address each of them individually and answer any questions the public may have.

“We’re not making up any laws,” Schulz said. “We’re enforcing the laws that we have.”

Public safety director Paul Whitten spoke on each point that comes with applying for a special events permit for the bike rallies, with the spring Myrtle Beach event scheduled for May 14-20, according to the county website.

Whitten said vendors wanting to use microphones outdoors must make sure there is no profanity, and not in use before noon or after 11 p.m. The county’s noise ordinance would still be in affect during those hours.

All outdoor beer and wine sales must stop by 11 p.m. on May 14-17, Monday through Thursday, and by midnight on the weekend dates of May 18-19, according to Whitten.

He added that drinking games or “body shots” wouldn’t be tolerated with outdoor liquor sales, and establishments selling alcohol must have a minimum of four uniformed security officers.

Outdoor stunt shows must be further than 500 feet from the nearest residential property line, and can only run from noon to 9 p.m.

The stunt shows also can’t distract traffic.

“You might be able to see it, but it can’t be a distraction,” Whitten said.

Other rules including no outdoor tents prior to Monday, May 14, and they must be taken down by Sunday, May 20.

Applicants wanting to have outdoor tents are restricted from outdoor merchandise sales from May 7-13 and May 21-23, Whitten said

Other general conditions are permit applicants must display signs stating the revving of engines aren’t allowed, follow the state’s nudity statutes and provide dedicated “flagmen” to help direct traffic into and out of the individual establishments.

Councilman Al Allen, another member of the public safety committee, addressed the public and said they are welcomed to come and spend their money in Horry County and enjoy Bike Week.

“We’re just asking you to act reasonable,” Allen said.