Those who swear like a sailor might want to think twice if they’re visiting Myrtle Beach since it’s a misdemeanor offense there. The city has a lewd, obscene and profane language ordinance, which is under the city’s disorderly conduct rules. Myrtle Beach issued 289 profane language citations last year, amounting to more than $22,000 in fines, according to Myrtle Beach Online.
City officials say it isn’t about raking in the money but enforcing the no — in other words, people shouldn’t be getting out of hand. City Spokesman Mark Kruea said it’s about compliance.
“The goal is to have folks obey whatever rules, ordinance that any government puts in place,” Kruea said. “If you utter what is essentially fighting words, words designed to provoke a violent reaction from someone else, that’s where you’ll run afoul with this ordinance.”
The law is typically enforced when the language is trying to or leads to a violent reaction from others. The maximum penalty for swearing, which is a disorderly conduct charge, could land someone a $500 maximum fine or up to 30 days in jail.
“We encourage everyone to avoid violating this ordinance by speaking to others with the same respect and kindness you deserve,” Lt. Bryan Murphy with Myrtle Beach Police Department said.
By: Maytinee Kramer
