Charleston City Council will tonight consider additional emergency measures to protect the community against the spread of COVID-19.
If passed, the following added regulations would go into effect citywide, beginning July 15, 2020:
- Amended mask requirement clarifying that it applies to all areas of the city
- Increased penalties for noncompliance
- 50% capacity in bars and restaurants
- No amplified music after 9 pm
- Provision allowing businesses to refuse to serve customers who fail to wear mask after being informed of the ordinance and provided a copy
- Businesses will be subject to penalties for failure to comply with capacity and music restrictions
- Added enforcement by the Fire Marshal, Charleston Police Department and Building Inspections Division, in addition to Livability Code Enforcement Officers
The following regulations will remain in effect throughout the city of Charleston:
- No alcohol service after 11 pm
- Restrictions on senior and correctional facilities
- Movie theaters and public venues closed
- Authority granted to law enforcement to dispense gatherings of 3 or more
- Masks are required in all public indoor spaces and within 6 feet of others outdoors
- No social gatherings of 10 or more on city property
- Retail businesses are required to post social distancing signage and one-way aisle markings
“With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise at an alarming rate, we need to do everything in our power to flatten this curve before our hospitals are overwhelmed and another shutdown becomes unavoidable,” Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said. “And the only way to do that is if we keep working together and keep following the three ‘W’s: wash your hands, watch your distance and wear a mask.”
City Council will meet at 5 pm via Zoom. To attend virtually, dial 1 (929) 205-6099 and enter access code 912096416 when prompted. The meeting will also be streamed live on the city’s YouTube page, linked here.
