Columbia Resident Sues City Over Ban on Home-Based Swim Lessons
Libby Souder, a resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has filed a lawsuit against the city after her home-based swim lesson business was shut down following a neighbor's complaint. Souder had been offering private swim lessons in her backyard pool for several years, renewing her business license annually without issue. However, a new neighbor's complaint about noise and traffic led to the city interpreting its zoning laws to ban outdoor home businesses, effectively shutting down Souder's operation. The Institute for Justice has joined Souder's legal battle, arguing that the city's actions are unconstitutional and that the ban on outdoor home businesses lacks justification. The case has garnered significant community support, with many neighbors advocating for the continuation of Souder's swim lessons. 
