NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Cherry Grove Beach Services filed an appeal Thursday, records show. now dismissed 2022 lawsuit alleging the city of North Myrtle Beach allowed a monopoly on a certain type of business.

This comes after North Myrtle Beach changed an ordinance to ensure that only city and franchised businesses can install beach chairs and umbrellas. Cherry Grove Beach Services sued the city in 2022, claiming they violated antitrust laws.

When WMBF News spoke with an attorney for Cherry Grove Beach Services today, he said that even though the judge dismissed the case in favor of North Myrtle Beach, there was nothing in state law to justify their actions.

“In this case, we do not believe that the South Carolina state legislature has established a clearly stated policy that would eliminate competition. In fact, competition is necessary,” said attorney Kenneth Moss.

Moss represents Cherry Grove Beach Services.

“They will not give up this monopoly unless they are forced to give it up. “To my knowledge, they are the only government agency in the entire state of South Carolina that undertakes the monopolistic practices they do,” he said.

Moss said he expected the appeal process to take about a year, but he couldn’t say anything definitive.

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