Atlantic Beach, October 19, 2025
Thee Dollhouse
Thee Dollhouse is a boutique company renowned for its dedicated craftsmanship and unique designs in the doll industry. Established in 1995, Thee Dollhouse has grown from a small local business into a recognized name nationwide. Over the years, it has expanded its product line to include custom dolls, accessories, and personalized collectibles. The company prides itself on quality, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike. With nearly three decades of experience, Thee Dollhouse continues to innovate and inspire, maintaining its reputation as a leader in the niche doll-making community.
News Summary
Atlantic Beach’s newly enacted adult entertainment ordinance has triggered a legal response from Thee Dollhouse, a longtime nightclub. The ordinance, passed on September 22, imposes strict regulations including operational hours, licensing fees, and inspection protocols. Thee Dollhouse, which has contributed significantly to the local economy, claims it has been overcharged and faced intimidation during negotiations. This lawsuit raises important questions about regulatory balance and the rights of adult entertainment businesses in the area.
Atlantic Beach’s New Adult Entertainment Ordinance Sparks Lawsuit From Longtime Nightclub Thee Dollhouse
Atlantic Beach has recently passed a new ordinance that imposes stringent limitations on adult entertainment businesses, leading Thee Dollhouse, a prominent nightclub operating since 1992, to file a lawsuit against the town. The ordinance was enacted on September 22, 2025, and outlines strict requirements for adult businesses, including provisions for periodic inspections and potential penalties for non-compliance.
The new regulations require adult entertainment venues to abide by several requirements that have raised concerns among business owners. Notably, the ordinance allows for inspections by the town manager or their agents, with violations resulting in fines, temporary suspensions, or even revocation of their business licenses. In addition to these measures, adult establishments must maintain strict operational parameters, including prohibitions on operating between midnight and 6 a.m. daily.
Horry County has regulations dictating that sexually-oriented businesses, such as strip clubs, must adhere to licensing requirements, operate within designated hours, and maintain specific distances from residential areas, churches, schools, and parks, mainly within 1,500 feet. Municipalities within the county, including Atlantic Beach, are permitted to impose their own local restrictions, leading to the recent enactment of the ordinance.
Although Thee Dollhouse operates in a competitive landscape, Atlantic Beach’s limitations stand out. Next door, North Myrtle Beach has no strip clubs or burlesques, while Myrtle Beach features several adult entertainment venues confined to particular areas as regulated by county zoning laws. Surfside Beach regulations further prohibit alcohol consumption in conjunction with adult businesses to minimize exposure of specified anatomical areas to the public view.
According to Horry County guidelines, adult entertainment businesses must obtain special licenses for operation. Employees within these establishments also require specific licensing, and businesses must submit a layout that accommodates regulations regarding the distance between performers and patrons. For example, nude or semi-nude performers must remain at least 6 feet away from patrons and perform on stages elevated at least 18 inches.
Thee Dollhouse is a significant contributor to Atlantic Beach’s economy, having paid nearly $2.5 million in taxes over the span of 14 years. However, the establishment’s lawsuit claims that it has been overcharged for business license fees following the introduction of the new ordinance. The owners allege that town officials have engaged in police intimidation and acted in bad faith during negotiations concerning the rezoning of their property.
The lawsuit filed by Thee Dollhouse seeks reimbursement for alleged overcharges in licensing fees as well as a temporary injunction against the enforcement of the new ordinance. The case has sparked discussions regarding the balance between regulatory oversight and the rights of adult entertainment businesses to operate within the bounds of the law.
As the story unfolds, the implications of the new ordinance and ongoing legal challenges could significantly influence the adult entertainment landscape in Atlantic Beach and potentially set precedents for other municipalities within Horry County.
FAQ
What does Atlantic Beach’s new ordinance on adult entertainment businesses entail?
The new ordinance outlines strict requirements for adult businesses, including periodic inspections by the town manager or their agents. Potential consequences for violating the ordinance include fines, suspension, or revocation of the business license.
What has prompted Thee Dollhouse to file a lawsuit against Atlantic Beach?
Thee Dollhouse filed a lawsuit to contest the new ordinance, claiming they were overcharged for business license fees due to changes in the town’s regulations. They also allege that town officials engaged in police intimidation and bad faith negotiations regarding rezoning their property.
How does the new ordinance affect the operations of adult entertainment venues?
The new ordinance imposes strict operational parameters, including prohibitions on operating between midnight and 6 a.m., requirements for performer proximity to patrons, and mandatory layout submissions for regulatory compliance.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ordinance Date | September 22, 2025 |
| Distance Regulations | Adult businesses must be at least 1,500 feet from residences, churches, schools, and parks. |
| Operating Hours | Adult businesses prohibited from operating between midnight and 6 a.m. |
| Licensing Fees | Thee Dollhouse claims overcharges due to new regulations. |
| Community Revenue | Thee Dollhouse paid approximately $2.5 million in taxes over 14 years. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Thee Dollhouse Files Lawsuit Against Atlantic Beach Ordinance
Myrtle Beach Implements Curfew for Minors Amid Violence Concerns
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Atlantic Beach Adult Entertainment Ordinance
- Horry News: Prostitution at Horry County Adult Entertainment Clubs
- WMBF News: NMB City Leaders Discuss Adult Entertainment Regulations
- Wikipedia: Adult Entertainment
- Google Search: Atlantic Beach Adult Entertainment Regulations
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
