MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WBTW) — A popular biker bar in the Myrtle Beach area now has a court date for its battle to keep a state alcohol license.
In the meantime, Suck, Bang Blow is operating as normal while remaining compliant with all guidelines, according to the owner.
A hearing has been set with the SC Administrative Law Court in Columbia on Feb. 10, when the South Carolina Department of Revenue will try to permanently revoke the bar’s alcohol license.
SCDOR has the authority to suspend or revoke licenses of businesses that “knowingly [permit] criminal acts, or acts that constitute a public nuisance.” The agency determined the bar repeatedly operated in violation of the executive order during the pandemic and that constitutes a public nuisance.
In documents obtained by News13, the SCDOR claims Suck, Bang, Blow operated in violation of Executive Order 2020-18 during Myrtle Beach Bike Week the week of July 13-19.
SCDOR documents show between the time of April 27 and Aug. 2 — when the executive order was rescinded — the bar advertised about 40 live music events. SCDOR specifically mentions a Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony concert on July 18.
Executive Order 2020-18 closed non-essential businesses and classified “concert venues, adult entertainment venues,” and “night clubs” as non-essential businesses. The executive order was issued on April 3.
SCDOR said during the week of July 13-19, Suck, Bang, Blow did operate as a concert venue, adult entertainment venue, and/or a night club.
During bike week, the bar advertised multiple live music events every night that week.
SLED investigated and determined the bar was operating in violation of the executive order, according to documents. SLED issued a warning on July 20 and then a citation on July 23.
Police were also called to the bar Sept. 11 to disperse a large crowd. No citations were issued.
Suck, Bang, Blow owner William Couch said they are fighting the decision.
“SBB believes that we were in compliance during the event in question and look forward to presenting our position at a later date,” Couch said. “As this matter is litigated, we are operating as normal while remaining compliant with all guidelines and orders from the government.”
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Source: News 13