MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – On Tuesday, the Myrtle Beach City Council passed the first of two votes on an ordinance that would eventually allow a new dog park and bar concept in the Market Common area.

The proposed location for the Wagbar business is at Shine Avenue and PFC Joe McGarry Street. The site is currently zoned for “light industrial” and the passage of the ordinance would allow bars and taverns to be included in the current zoning code.

Although the proposed location isn’t set in stone yet, Wagbar CEO Kendal Kulp says Myrtle Beach is a great location for the company because it welcomes dogs. Kulp believes the franchise can offer the best of both worlds.

“Wagbar is more than a dog park or a bar. Dog parks don’t really have anything to offer for people and bars somehow lack the play factor for dogs. Dogs have to be on a leash and that’s a shame,” Kulp said.

The original concept for Wagbar originated in Asheville and is considered very successful.

The thought of a venue like this in Myrtle Beach excites many a dog owner.

“I think it’s very exciting and everyone deserves to have a beer and a hot dog at the same time,” said Justin Carelock.

Like Carelock, John Bullock was excited about the future opportunity to drink a “cold beer” and give his dogs a place to run around freely.

“There aren’t many places where you can have a beer while your dog plays,” Bullock said.

Don Smith, a retired New York City firefighter who lives in Market Common, also welcomes the idea.

“I think this is a great idea, you know? We would like to have some other things in the Market Common that we can rely on and take our dogs,” Smith said.

The City Council is expected to hold a second and final vote on the zoning expansion at one of its next meetings.

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