Florence County, SC Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Chapter 18's noise article does not single out bars, nightclubs or other entertainment venues; unincorporated Florence County regulates them the same way it regulates any other noise source, through the general standard in Sec. 18-1(a): the creation of any unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise in the county is prohibited, and it is unlawful to cause, make or contribute to creating any loud or disturbing noise of such character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual or such noise as to disturb the quiet and peace of any citizen in the county.

The itemized clauses in subsection (b), covering horns, sound-amplifying devices and vehicle noise among others, are examples the ordinance lists as automatically qualifying, but subsection (b) is expressly non-exhaustive: it states those acts shall not, however, necessarily include all such noises as may constitute a violation of subsection (a) of this section. That leaves live music, a DJ, or crowd noise spilling out of a bar or club in the unincorporated county squarely covered by the general prohibition even though no clause names 'bar' or 'nightclub' specifically. Subsection (c) exempts lawfully permitted band performances in parades, and subsection (d) exempts emergency work, but neither exception reaches ordinary nightlife noise.