SC resort levies fines if decorations aren’t down

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — It’s not to be Grinch-like, but Hilton Head Island is reminding businesses they have to take down their outdoor holiday decorations or they can be fined.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports (http://bit.ly/wcbNbx ) that businesses have until the end of the day Tuesday to remove the reindeer, lights, Santas and any other outdoor displays of holiday cheer.

Businesses that don’t comply can be fined more than $1,000.

The ordinance has been on the town books for 14 years and is designed to maintain the nature-like appearance of the resort island.

Town Attorney Brian Hulbert says no one has been fined in recent years. But the town did issue nine warnings last year, compared with 38 the previous year.

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Information from: The Island Packet, http://www.islandpacket.com