MYRTLE BEACH — A Maryland man was arrested early Friday morning in Myrtle Beach after allegedly shoving a bartender who said he had not paid his tab.

John James Palmer, 52, was charged with simple assault following the incident.

According to the arrest report, Palmer was leaving the Anderson Ocean Club, located at 2600 N. Ocean Blvd, around 12:30 a.m. The bartender told him he had not paid his tab, but he continued into the lobby of the adjoining hotel.

The bartender confronted Palmer in the lobby and again told him he hadn’t paid. He then shouted at her that he had paid before throwing a small wad of money at her, the report stated.

She then asked Palmer what his problem was, and that he only owed $20.50. At this point, he reportedly shoved the bartender, leading hotel security to call police.

Police found Palmer sitting in a chair in the lobby. He appeared to be very intoxicated, had the smell of alcohol on his breath and was unaware of what was going on around him, the report stated.

Contact BRAD DICKERSON at 626-0301.