GRIDIRON BASH, STRIP CLUBS TARGETED BY PARTY POOPERS

I’m not sure what’s been going on lately, but it seems like there are a lot of people trying to rain on parades around. Not like the literal rain that came down at the Carolina Cup Saturday and ruined an otherwise good time, but metaphorical showers that threaten two totally different things.

The first set of storm clouds came courtesy of Rep. Scott Talley, who apparently prefers playing nanny government with nonsense issues to actually solving the plethora of problems faced by our state. Talley re-introduced legislation late last week that would ban lap dances in strip clubs and require patrons to be at least six feet away from strippers at all times.

The bill’s aim, Talley says, is to reduce the “secondary effects” associated with such clubs.

Illegal drugs and prostitution are common in clubs’ private rooms, said Tennessee-based attorney Scott Bergthold, who drafted the legislation on behalf of the Palmetto Family Council.

It often spills out into the nearby community, he said, in the form of noise and loitering. [The State]

Also seen as noise and loitering: Legislative grandstanding.

Unfortunately, this moronic bit of severe government overreach made it out of committee. Hopefully, it will be dead on the House floor so the General Assembly can get back to not solving… gee, I don’t know, pick an issue.

Of course, I wouldn’t be shocked to see certain members keep this legislation alive so they can further “investigate” the problem. So if you happen to be in Myrtle Beach or Columbia and see one of these fine lawmakers head into or out of the strip club, don’t fret, they’re there on official business (using your money).

Almost as disappointing as Talley’s social pandering was the NCAA’s decision to cancel next month’s Gridiron Bash before the University of South Carolina’s Garnet & Black Spring Game because of questions regarding “whether player participation in the events violated rules.”

MSL Sports and Entertainment had scheduled similar pep rallies and concerts at several schools across the county, but delayed them all on Saturday. [...]

South Carolina officials say it has not been determined if the pep rally and concert in Columbia with the Black Crowes will be rescheduled or canceled. Refunds will be given.

South Carolina’s spring game will go on as scheduled at Williams-Brice Stadium on April 19.

I’m seriously beginning to think there’s a conspiracy to stop all things fun around here. The Black Crowes aren’t the greatest band in the world, and outside of a few bachelor parties and wild college nights out I can’t say I’ve been to many strip clubs, but what the hell?

Some people need to seriously lighten up.