Companies skeptical of Beaufort tour rules

BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — Beaufort City Council is considering new rules for tour companies in the city.

But the Beaufort Gazette (http://bit.ly/nRRGL3 ) reports some tour operators are skeptical that the rules will end what have been called the “carriage wars” in the coastal city.

City council has given initial approval an ordinance that would require companies that break the rules three times in a year to cease operations. Tour operators call it a tattle-tale system because company owners would have to report the violations.

The rules would also increase the number of tour operators allowed to six walking, four bus and two carriage companies.

One tour operator says that could mean a tour moving through the historic district every five minutes. Walter Gay says the economy can’t support so many tour companies.

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Information from: The Beaufort Gazette, http://www.beaufortgazette.com