Zoning board denies Shakers Bar & Grill request for expanded outdoor dining after residents cite noise

The Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals voted on a motion to approve a special-exception request for Shakers South Beach Bar & Grill at 3010 Highway 17 Business and did not grant the change after a 5-3 roll call on a motion "to approve with conditions set forth by staff." The applicant had asked to allow outdoor dining, beverage service, outdoor entertainment and to serve until 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday; staff noted the prior special-exception (09/08/2008) had prohibited outdoor dining and outside entertainment.

Applicant Melanie Stokes Treske told the board she opened the business earlier in 2024 and had gathered petitions and letters of support, saying the operation wants to be "a blessing to our community." She said the business had taken steps to limit noise, including closing roll-up windows and moving live-music times earlier: "We close the roll up windows at, before 11:00... We've moved those to 7 to 11 so that we don't have any concern with the live music," she said. Staff and the board questioned how far nearby residences are from the deck and whether exceptions for large special events would require separate permits; staff also noted police reports and prior code warnings.

Multiple neighbors urged denial. Chuck McDonald, general manager of nearby Ocean Pines, said the proximity to mobile-home residents would cause "an abundance of noise pollution" and harm homeowners' quality of life. A resident who identified himself as Scott said he had called police more than 80 times since March and described sustained bass vibration and bright lights that disturbed sleep. Other neighbors, including Teresa Burdaitis, described being 100—0 feet from the deck and said exterior speakers and bands remain audible at 11 p.m.

Supporters of the business also spoke. Jim Simpson, who said he and his family patronize the venue, praised the interior stage and security and said he had seen speakers turned off by 11 p.m. The board balanced the applicant's mitigation promises and community support against documented complaints, police visits and the site's location near residential properties. Ultimately the board's motion to allow the expanded outdoor activities failed in recorded roll call and the applicant was told she may return at a later publicly noticed meeting.