Governor Henry McMaster announced today that all previously recommended guidelines for restaurants and other establishments that attract groups of people are now mandatory. The Governor’s Executive Order establishing these new measures will take effect on Monday, August 3.
“These limited restrictions are temporary, they are measured and they are targeted at what we know works,” said McMaster. “These measures give South Carolina the best chance of slowing the spread of the virus without paralyzing the state’s economy – which we cannot and will not do – as many continue to ask.”
In addition, the governor continued his call for all Southern Carolians to use facial coverage when appropriate and encouraged local governments to adopt facial coverage ordinances. The governor also ordered facial coverings to be used on all state government buildings, in accordance with guidelines and procedures developed by the state’s Department of Administration, beginning August 5.
These restaurant guidelines, first established by AccelerateSC, have been strongly recommended so far. They are now mandatory and include the following:
- Operate dinner services on no more than 50% of the occupancy certificate issued by the fire department.
- Employees and customers must wear face masks or covers.
- Tables should be spaced to keep customers at least six feet apart.
- No more than 8 customers per table, unless they are from the same family.
- It is forbidden to stand or meet in the restaurant’s bar area.
- Establishments that have a state license to sell alcoholic beverages will be subject to these restrictions.
Other types of businesses, facilities, venues, events or mass meetings that may open but are required to implement the AccelerateSC guidelines include the following: festivals, parades, concerts, theaters, stadiums, arenas, coliseums, auditoriums, grandstands, amphitheaters , gyms, concert halls, dance halls, performing arts centers, parks, race tracks or similarly operated entities. These guidelines include, but are not limited to:
- The frequency cannot exceed 50% of the occupancy certificate issued by the fire department – or 250 people – whichever is less.
- Require the use of face masks or coverings as a condition of admission or participation
- Decree social detachment, cleaning and hygiene practices, as recommended by AccelerateSC
- End the sale of alcohol at 11pm
Companies, event organizers and others responsible for events that may exceed occupancy rules can receive clarifications allowing the event to proceed if they can satisfactorily demonstrate the ability to comply with federal and state COVID-19 procedures and protocols for the Department of Commerce.
These guidelines and more can be found here.