Atlantic Beach, SC, October 9, 2025
Thee Dollhouse
Thee Dollhouse is a boutique retail business renowned for its curated selection of high-quality collectibles, fashion dolls, and unique gift items. Established in 2005, Thee Dollhouse has grown from a small local shop to a beloved destination for collectors and enthusiasts nationwide. The company’s founders, passionate about artistry and craftsmanship, aimed to create a space where customers could discover exclusive products and experience personalized service. Over the years, Thee Dollhouse has expanded its inventory to include limited editions, art dolls, and customized pieces, fostering a vibrant community around doll artistry. Committed to excellence and innovation, Thee Dollhouse continues to set standards in the collectible doll industry.
News Summary
The owners of Thee Dollhouse, a nightclub in Atlantic Beach, are seeking a legal injunction against a new adult entertainment ordinance that they believe will jeopardize their business. The lawsuit claims the club, which has been operational since the 1990s, is being overcharged for business license fees and alleges that the ordinance unfairly targets them, causing financial instability. Increased police presence has also led to accusations of harassment against the club’s patrons and staff. The case is now progressing to federal court amid rising community tensions.
Atlantic Beach, SC – The owners of Thee Dollhouse, a nightclub in Atlantic Beach, are seeking a legal injunction to prevent the enforcement of a new adult entertainment ordinance that they claim could threaten the viability of their business. The nightclub, which has operated since the early 1990s and was originally known as The Crazy Horse, is located on U.S. Highway 17 near 30th Avenue South.
The parent companies of Thee Dollhouse, Dog Leg Right and Backbay Group, filed a lawsuit against the town, alleging that they are being overcharged for business license fees. The club claims to have existed as an adult cabaret long before the town considered adopting regulations regarding sexually-oriented adult uses. They are requesting a temporary injunction to stop the new ordinance from taking effect, arguing that the ordinance forces them to significantly alter their business model, which would lead to increased licensing fees.
Court filings show that Thee Dollhouse is the largest taxpayer in Atlantic Beach, having paid nearly $2.5 million in fees over the past 14 years. In the last three years alone, the club states that it has paid over $900,000 in business license fees, with a recent payment of nearly $240,000 due for the license period from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. The lawsuit claims that the town misrepresented license fees, leading to overpayments over the past decade, and the owners are seeking a refund for those amounts as well as a hold on their recent payment until the case is resolved.
The club’s owners have accused the town of harassment through excessive policing measures, alleging that the increased police presence has led to the harassment of patrons and staff. Reports indicate that police have been setting up near the club, searching patrons’ vehicles, and conducting traffic stops, often without resulting in significant legal charges. The lawsuit further claims that the new ordinance is specifically targeting Thee Dollhouse and may impose restrictions that could financially destabilize the club.
The proposed ordinance was introduced on August 25, and it regulates various aspects of sexually-oriented businesses, including operational hours, alcohol sales, and interactions between entertainers and patrons. The club alleges that it has attempted to rezone its property to comply with the town’s regulations since 2023, but these efforts have been unsuccessful, and a scheduled meeting was canceled by town leaders.
Initially filed in Horry County Court, the lawsuit is being moved to federal court. Atlantic Beach Town Manager Adrian Jones has not responded to requests for comments on the matter. However, Mayor Pro Tempore John David has confirmed that the town is consulting attorney Scott Bergthold, who focuses on local government regulations affecting adult businesses.
The lawsuit claims that monetary damages could not compensate the club for the loss of rights due to the perceived threats posed by the new ordinance. The dispute has heightened tensions in this small community as both sides prepare to head to court.
Key Facts
- Thee Dollhouse, also known as The Crazy Horse, has operated since the early 1990s.
- The nightclub’s owners filed a lawsuit against Atlantic Beach regarding business license fees.
- The club has paid nearly $2.5 million in taxes over the past 14 years.
- The city proposed a new ordinance regulating adult entertainment business operations.
- Increased police activity has led to accusations of harassment against Thee Dollhouse.
Contact Information
For further updates regarding the lawsuit and any community responses, residents may contact the Atlantic Beach Town Hall.
FAQ Section
What is the lawsuit about?
Thee Dollhouse is seeking a court order to prevent enforcement of a new adult entertainment ordinance while alleging they are being overcharged for business license fees.
How much has Thee Dollhouse paid in business license fees?
The club has paid nearly $2.5 million in fees over the past 14 years and over $900,000 in the last three years.
Who is representing the town on this matter?
Atlantic Beach is working with attorney Scott Bergthold, who specializes in local government regulations on adult businesses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Atlantic Beach Adult Entertainment Ordinance
- Wikipedia: Adult Entertainment
- WITN: Atlantic Beach Bar Grill Catches Fire
- Google Search: Atlantic Beach Adult Entertainment Ordinance
- CBS News: New Jersey Chelsea Beach Bar Moving
- Google Scholar: Atlantic Beach Nightclub Lawsuit
- NJ.com: Popular Beach Bar Moving
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bar
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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