via WBTW:

A final stamp of approval for North Myrtle Beach's seasonal tent ban could have more tourists and residents looking to the city's umbrella rental program for a shady spot this summer. Beach umbrella and chair rentals generate an estimated $1.2 million for the City of North Myrtle Beach between mid-April and mid-October. Daily umbrella rentals are priced at $15, while weekly deals are available for $90.

Our question: While it may be smart, has the City of North Myrtle Beach become a monopoly in the beach services game? Over the past several years, they have taken control of the beach food and beverage service (lemonade carts), banned their shade competition (BYO beach tents), and now they seem to be getting in on the watersports business with job postings on the city website for Beach Services Banana Boat crew and captain.