PORT ROYAL, SC (AP) – A beach town in South Carolina has banned sleeping in public spaces.
The Hilton Head Island Packet reports that the Port Royal city council voted unanimously on Wednesday to institute a camping ban. The new law prohibits people from sleeping in parks, buildings or public areas. The ban says that putting bedding, storing personal belongings or using tents or other sleeping facilities is also not allowed.
Some board members expressed concern that homeless people residing in public spaces may now face legal consequences for doing so. The city lacks a shelter designed for homeless people.
A provision in the concierge allows camping “if allowed”. Council members said this would allow events such as war plays or oyster roasts to take place overnight.
The ban came into effect immediately on Wednesday. The neighboring town of Beaufort has also previously instituted a similar ban.