During a Charleston City Council meeting Tuesday evening, several emergency measures were passed to protect the community against the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning July 15, these additional regulations will go into effect in the City of Charleston:

○ Amended mask requirement clarifying that the ordinance applies to all areas of the city (Need a mask? Find one locally here.)
○ Increased penalties for noncompliance. A person will first be given a warning, and the first offense following will be ticketed $100; the second offense $200; and $500 for the third offense.
○ Maximum of 50% capacity in all restaurants and bars
○ No amplified music in bars and restaurants after 9 p.m. This includes – but is not limited to – stereos, live bands/DJs and karaoke.
○ Businesses will be subject to penalties for failure to comply with both capacity + music restrictions. Penalties include revoking of licensure and/or deeming the offense as a “public nuisance.”
○ Businesses can now refuse service to customers who do not wear a mask after being informed + provided a copy of the ordinance.
○ Added enforcement by the Fire Marshal, Charleston Police Department + Building Inspections Division, in addition to Livability Code Enforcement Officers

In addition to these new rules, the following regulations will remain in effect throughout the City of Charleston:

○ No alcohol service past 11 p.m.
○ Visitation restrictions on senior + correctional facilities
○ Movie theaters + public venues are closed to the public.
○ Authority granted to law enforcement to disperse gatherings of 3 or more non-family or household members.
○ Masks required in all public indoor spaces and within six feet of others outdoors
○ Retail businesses are required to post social distancing signage and one-way aisle markings

Watch the full meeting here.