Charleston increases emergency COVID-19 measures

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Charleston City Council passed an emergency ordinance Tuesday night, adding to a set of safety requirements for businesses and individuals in the city to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The guidelines go into effect today.

The city already had a mask ordinance in effect and was following state guidelines of not allowing alcohol to be served at bars and restaurants after 11 p.m.

The following restrictions were added Tuesday night:

Penalties were increased for individuals who are found guilty of not wearing a mask inside the city, including $100 for the first offense, $200 for second and $500 for a third offense.

The city is allowing 50% capacity in bars and restaurants, or a maximum of one person per 36 square feet, whichever is less. The city also is requiring bars and restaurants to post the new occupancy limits.

Food and beverage businesses also are required to have one employee designated at all times to ensure that the occupancy limit isn’t exceeded and to ensure that customers waiting in line are socially distancing.

No amplified music is allowed after 9 p.m.

Businesses are not responsible for enforcing the face-coverings law, but they can now refuse to serve customers who fail to wear mask after a customer is informed of the city’s ordinance and given a copy.

Businesses are required to ensure their employees follow the face-coverings requirements and could lose their business license if they do not follow the law, the ordinance said.

Businesses will be subject to penalties for failure to comply with capacity and music restrictions.

Additionally, the city authorized the Charleston Fire Department, Charleston Police Department and city Building Inspections Division, in addition to Livability Code Enforcement Officers, to enforce the new ordinance.

The city also reminded businesses that the following regulations are still in effect:

• Movie theaters and public venues remain closed.
• The police have the authority to disperse gatherings of three or more people if they are not at home.
• Masks are required in all public indoor spaces and within 6 feet of others at outdoor facilities or in public.
• Social gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited on city property.
• Retail businesses must post social distancing signage and one-way aisle markings, the city said.