St. Helena, South Carolina, January 17, 2026
Willie Turral, former owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, has filed a lawsuit against his landlords for allegedly changing locks without proper eviction orders. This case raises vital questions about tenant rights in South Carolina’s commercial real estate landscape. The circumstances highlight the legal responsibilities of landlords and the necessity of following due process when addressing tenancy disputes, particularly in light of the broader economic implications for local businesses.
St. Helena, SC – In a legal dispute highlighting the critical importance of proper procedure in commercial tenancy, Willie Turral, the former owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, has filed a lawsuit against his landlords, James and Bernice Wright. The complaint, lodged in Beaufort County civil court, alleges that the landlords unlawfully changed the locks to the business premises without a formal eviction order, effectively locking Turral out and denying him access to his property.
This situation underscores the delicate balance between property owner rights and tenant protections, a cornerstone of a stable business environment that encourages South Carolina SC entrepreneurs. While landlords naturally seek to protect their investments, the legal framework is designed to ensure due process, preventing arbitrary actions that could disrupt a small business’s operations and livelihoods. The outcome of this case could offer valuable insights for Hilton Head SC business owners and landlords alike, emphasizing the clarity and adherence to regulations that foster predictable economic growth.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in early January, comes as Turral was considering a relocation for his business, having previously given James Wright a key for “limited access purposes” to discuss a potential mutual termination of the lease in late 2025. This development reflects the dynamic nature of local commerce and the need for clear agreements to navigate transitions smoothly, safeguarding investments and operational continuity for Hilton Head small business ventures.
Legal Challenges Emerge from Alleged Lockout
According to the lawsuit, Turral claims that despite having paid rent in advance, the Wrights changed the locks to the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive property on January 7, thereby denying him access. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the landlords have “unequivocally refused” to return Turral’s prepaid rent and have since utilized the building’s water and electrical services, which are still billed to Turral. These actions, Turral contends, violate South Carolina tenant law and have resulted in significant financial loss.
The complaint seeks monetary damages and an injunction to restore Turral’s access to the property. The landlords reportedly justified the lockout through “post-hoc justifications” based on an alleged breach of contract. This legal confrontation highlights the necessity of transparent communication and strict adherence to contractual and statutory obligations, particularly in the realm of commercial real estate, to prevent costly disputes that can hinder the overall Beaufort County economy.
Understanding South Carolina’s Eviction Process
South Carolina law provides a clear, structured process for landlords to legally evict a tenant, whether residential or commercial. Crucially, landlords cannot simply change locks or shut off utilities to force a tenant out; such “self-help” evictions are explicitly illegal. The legal framework is designed to protect both parties, ensuring that disputes are resolved through established legal channels.
Required Notice Periods
The first step in a lawful eviction process typically involves the landlord providing the tenant with a written notice. The type and duration of this notice depend on the reason for the eviction:
- For non-payment of rent, a landlord usually must issue a five-day notice, giving the tenant five days to pay the overdue rent or vacate the premises. However, if the lease agreement contains specific language waiving this notice, the landlord might proceed directly to court.
- For lease violations other than non-payment, a 14-day notice to comply is generally required, allowing the tenant two weeks to rectify the breach.
- In cases of a month-to-month tenancy without cause, a 30-day written notice is necessary to terminate the agreement.
Judicial Oversight for Ejectment
After the appropriate notice period has passed without resolution, a landlord must file an eviction lawsuit, known as an ejectment action, in court. The court then issues a rule to show cause, requiring the tenant to appear before a magistrate within ten days to present their defense. If the landlord wins the lawsuit, the court issues a Writ of Ejectment, authorizing a law enforcement official, such as a sheriff or constable, to physically remove the tenant from the property if they do not vacate within 24 hours.
The law specifically prohibits landlords from physically removing tenants themselves or by changing locks or shutting off utilities. This adherence to a structured, judicial process safeguards tenant rights and ensures that property disputes are handled fairly and transparently, a principle that benefits all participants in the Hilton Head economic growth landscape.
Context of Previous Events
This lawsuit comes in the wake of a mass shooting incident at Willie’s Bar and Grill in October, which tragically resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries. Following the shooting, the business faced mounting pressure from local officials, leading to its eventual closure. Willie Turral himself was named as a defendant, along with the property owners James and Bernice Wright, in a separate premises liability lawsuit filed by a shooting victim, alleging negligence due to inadequate security and a “known history of violence” at the venue.
While the present lockout lawsuit is distinct from the liability claims surrounding the shooting, the context highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by local businesses. Entrepreneurs, while innovative, often operate in complex environments where unforeseen events can lead to significant legal and financial burdens. Clear legal frameworks, consistently applied, help provide a degree of stability, even amidst adversity, for South Carolina SC entrepreneurs.
Fostering a Stable Business Environment
The ongoing legal battle between Willie Turral and his landlords serves as a salient reminder of the critical role that clear, enforced legal guidelines play in maintaining a fair and predictable environment for businesses in communities like St. Helena and Hilton Head. For Hilton Head SC business owners, understanding and adhering to commercial landlord-tenant laws is not merely a formality but a safeguard for their entrepreneurial endeavors.
While innovation and resilience are hallmarks of successful small businesses, these qualities thrive best when supported by a robust legal system that upholds due process and protects against unlawful actions. Such a system ensures that even when disputes arise, they are resolved equitably, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best: creating value, jobs, and contributing to the vibrant Beaufort County economy. Promoting awareness of these legal frameworks can empower both landlords and tenants to navigate their agreements responsibly, contributing to sustained Hilton Head economic growth and a healthy local market.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Willie Turral against his landlords in St. Helena is a significant local development, underscoring the legal protections afforded to commercial tenants in South Carolina. The core issue—the alleged unlawful lockout without an eviction order—brings into focus the state’s detailed legal processes for resolving landlord-tenant disputes. As this case proceeds in Beaufort County civil court, it will serve as a pertinent example for other Hilton Head small business owners and property holders on the imperative of following established legal procedures, thus fostering a more secure and predictable climate for entrepreneurial activity across the Lowcountry.
We encourage all local businesses and property owners to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities under South Carolina law and to seek professional legal counsel when navigating complex commercial agreements. By upholding the rule of law and promoting fair business practices, our community can continue to support the innovation and resilience that define the Hilton Head SC business landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the core allegation in Willie Turral’s lawsuit against his landlords?
- Willie Turral, the former owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, claims his landlords changed the locks to the business premises without a formal eviction order.
- Who are the landlords named in the lawsuit?
- The landlords named in the lawsuit are James and Bernice Wright.
- What legal recourse is Willie Turral seeking?
- Willie Turral is seeking monetary damages and an injunction to restore his access to the property.
- What does South Carolina law say about landlords changing locks without an eviction order?
- South Carolina law states that landlords cannot simply change locks or shut off utilities to force a tenant out, as such “self-help” evictions are explicitly illegal.
- What is the typical notice period for non-payment of rent in South Carolina for an eviction?
- For non-payment of rent, a landlord usually must issue a five-day notice, giving the tenant five days to pay the overdue rent or vacate the premises.
- What is required after a notice period in a South Carolina eviction process?
- After the appropriate notice period has passed without resolution, a landlord must file an eviction lawsuit, known as an ejectment action, in court.
Key Features of the St. Helena Landlord-Tenant Dispute
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Parties Involved | Plaintiff: Willie Turral (former owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill); Defendants: James and Bernice Wright (landlords) | Local |
| Core Allegation | Landlords changed locks without an eviction order and denied access to property. | Local |
| Location | St. Helena Island, South Carolina | Local |
| Legal Action Sought | Monetary damages and injunction to restore property access. | State-level |
| South Carolina Law on Lockouts | “Self-help” evictions (e.g., changing locks without court order) are illegal. | State-level |
| Required Eviction Process (SC) | Includes specific notice periods (e.g., 5-day for non-payment, 14-day for lease violation) followed by a court-ordered ejectment action. | State-level |
| Previous Related Event | Mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in October, leading to closure and a separate premises liability lawsuit. | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
