SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) – Bob Beres was trying to achieve the American dream when he started Beres Executive Limousine Service. But, Beres says his drive toward success has come to a screeching halt on Kiawah Island.
"They're pretty much strong arming you to sign a contract and if you don't sign it, you're not going to be able to do work there, which is unfair what they're asking," said Beres.
Beres says The Sanctuary on Kiawah is forcing all limo services to give up 20 percent of their earnings for each customer they drive to and from the resort.
"For example if you're leaving the airport going to the Sanctuary, you have to give them thirty one dollars," Beres said.
That's $62 per round trip.
"They're also restricting you on, if someone calls your residence or your place of business and says, I want a ride out to the Sanctuary, to the hotel, to a private villa or to a private residence, you have to in turn take those people and tell them to call The Sanctuary and there's a one in 5 chance that you get the job," Beres said.
Beres says the calls could be distributed among other limo services despite the service which initially received the call.
"People want to make an honest living but, taking advantage of people, that's just not right. Not just in Charleston but, in America," said Beres.
Beres says the agreement came about 3 yrs ago when the resort expected a heavy flow of tourism traffic.
"They're still holding you to those same standards as 3 years ago when they thought the economy was up. So, they haven't cut back on that 20 percent," Beres said.
Not only that but, Beres says The Sanctuary's agreement is the only one of its kind in the Charleston area.
"Trust me, when I first started, I was standing out in front of all the hotels in Charleston asking people for rides to the airport, and not one of them asked for a penny from me or any other company in Charleston," said Beres.
ABC News 4 contacted the management at The Sanctuary. They say the agreement is common in big cities like Atlanta, but declined to do an interview.
