News Summary
Thee Dollhouse, an adult entertainment venue, has filed a lawsuit against Atlantic Beach over new strict regulations that threaten its operations. The ordinance, enacted to impose high licensing fees and stringent operational protocols, could significantly impact the business that has been a major taxpayer in the area. The lawsuit claims misrepresentation of fees and harassment by local authorities, raising questions about the balance between government regulation and business rights.
South Carolina – The adult entertainment establishment Thee Dollhouse has filed a lawsuit against the town of Atlantic Beach following the enactment of a stringent ordinance that imposes new regulations on sexually-oriented businesses. The ordinance, passed on September 22, 2025, threatens the operational model of Thee Dollhouse, which has served the community since 1992 and is the largest taxpayer in Atlantic Beach, having contributed nearly $2.5 million in taxes over the past 14 years.
The lawsuit claims that the new ordinance not only imposes excessively high licensing fees but also includes strict requirements such as limited operating hours, restricted alcohol sales, and prohibitions against physical contact between entertainers and patrons. Furthermore, the ordinance stipulates that entertainers must maintain a distance of at least six feet from patrons, and the club must adhere to strict structural specifications. Violations of these regulations could result in significant fines, suspension, or even revocation of the business license.
Thee Dollhouse alleges that the local government misrepresented the licensing fees intended to allow the continuation of its operations. The complaint also highlights claims of increased police presence around the establishment, suggesting that patrons and staff are being harassed as a result.
Background and Context of Regulations
Horry County has long enforced strict regulations governing adult entertainment businesses, which include stipulations about licensing requirements, proximity restrictions to residences, churches, schools, and parks, where businesses must maintain a minimum distance of 1,500 feet. Local municipalities, such as Atlantic Beach, have the authority to impose additional regulations beyond those enforced at the county level.
Alongside Atlantic Beach, other local governments within Horry County also maintain stringent regulations regarding adult entertainment. For example, the towns of Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach have introduced additional restrictions that address concerns about public safety and community standards. Surfside Beach prohibits alcohol consumption in conjunction with sexually-oriented businesses to deter exposure of anatomical areas.
Studies show that sexually-oriented businesses can significantly affect crime rates and property values in nearby areas, prompting local governments to regulate these establishments more thoroughly. The Horry County code specifically mandates that sexually-oriented businesses obtain special licenses and maintain stringent operational protocols to mitigate any secondary effects linked to such establishments.
Enforcement and Operational Requirements
The new ordinance in Atlantic Beach further restricts adult entertainment venues in several ways. Apart from limiting operational hours and banning direct tipping, the requirements mandate that establishments must have specific signage prohibiting loitering and must conduct regular inspections of activities on the premises, including the use of cameras for monitoring. The ordinance also stipulates that businesses operate within a minimum space of 600 square feet and maintain a stage height of at least 18 inches.
Atlantic Beach is not alone in its pursuit of regulations aimed at controlling the operations of adult entertainment businesses. The nearby city of North Myrtle Beach is currently considering a new ordinance intended to prevent adult entertainment from adversely affecting local residential areas. Similar to Atlantic Beach, any new regulations in North Myrtle Beach would focus on zoning and operational restrictions aimed at safeguarding the community’s interests.
As the lawsuit advances, it raises key questions about the balance between local government regulation and the rights of established businesses within the community. The outcome could significantly impact the adult entertainment industry across Horry County as local municipalities continue to navigate the complexities of governance and public policy concerning sexually-oriented establishments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
