Permitless carry is now legal statewide, but local agencies and businesses are adjusting to a new set of rules.
Horry County, SC — South Carolina’s new constitutional carry law is reshaping how residents, visitors, and law enforcement navigate daily life across Horry County. The law, which allows adults 18 and older to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit, is now influencing everything from traffic stops to summer tourism preparations.
Local law enforcement agencies say the biggest change is procedural. Officers can no longer use the presence of a firearm as reasonable suspicion during a stop, a shift that requires updated training for deputies and patrol officers. Both the Horry County Police Department and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office have been reviewing policies to ensure compliance with the new standards while maintaining officer safety.
With millions of visitors expected in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and unincorporated coastal areas, officials say they are preparing for questions from tourists who may not be familiar with South Carolina’s rules. While the law allows permitless carry, private businesses and event organizers may still prohibit firearms on their property, and many have already posted signage ahead of summer crowds.
Gun shops and instructors across the county report mixed reactions. Some concealed weapon permit classes have seen declining enrollment, while others say residents still want a permit for reciprocity when traveling to states like North Carolina, where a permit is required for concealed carry. Instructors also note a growing interest in voluntary safety courses as new gun owners seek training that is no longer mandated by the state.
Community response varies by region. Rural residents in areas such as Loris, Green Sea, and Aynor have generally expressed support for the law, citing personal protection and reduced regulatory barriers. In more densely populated areas like Carolina Forest and the Myrtle Beach corridor, some residents and business owners have raised concerns about safety in crowded spaces, especially during major events.
Local officials emphasize that several restrictions remain in place. Firearms are still prohibited in schools, courthouses, and certain government buildings, and individuals with specific criminal convictions remain barred from possessing a gun. Law enforcement agencies continue urging residents to understand the full scope of the law before carrying.
A common question involves outdoor concerts and festivals held in public parks. Under South Carolina law, firearms are allowed at free, open‑access events when the public can walk in and out without gates, ticketing, or security checkpoints. Because the space remains an open public area, neither the city nor the event organizer can prohibit firearms unless the event becomes a controlled private venue with posted “No Firearms” signs at every entrance.
As summer under constitutional carry approaches, Horry County is watching closely to see how the law interacts with tourism, public safety, and the county’s rapid growth. Agencies say they expect to adjust policies as needed while monitoring trends throughout the season.
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Where Guns Are Still Prohibited in South Carolina
Even under South Carolina’s constitutional carry law, firearms remain prohibited in several locations under state and federal regulations:
• Schools and daycare facilities, including campuses, athletic events, and school buses
• Courthouses and government buildings
• Polling places during elections and early voting
• Correctional institutions
• Private property with posted “No Firearms” signage
• Hospitals and medical offices when posted
• Places of worship unless the congregation explicitly allows carry
• Federal facilities such as post offices, federal courthouses, and military installations
• Any location where possession is prohibited by federal law
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