June 30, 2020 – North Myrtle Beach To Enact Face Mask Ordinance
Today, the North Myrtle Beach City Council voted in favor of an ordinance that requires people to wear face coverings in public spaces.
The ordinance will go into effect on July 2 at 12 p.m.
The ordinance states that:
- All persons entering any retail business, including but not limited to grocery stores and pharmacies, and any business where personal services are dispensed including but not limited to hair and/or nail salons, barbershops, and tattoo parlors must wear a face covering while inside the establishment. In the event that the face covering interferes with the personal service provided (example: a haircut) the face covering may be removed while the personal service is being dispensed. The business shall not have responsibility for enforcing this requirement but shall post conspicuous signage at all entrances informing its patrons of the requirements of this section.
A person who fails to comply with the requirements detailed above shall be guilty of a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than $25.00.
- All restaurants; retail establishments including but not limited to grocery stores and pharmacies; businesses providing personal services including but not limited to hair and nail salons, barbershops and tattoo parlors; and all government offices in the City must require their employees to wear a face covering at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public.
A person who fails to comply with the requirements detailed above shall be guilty of a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00. Each day of a continuing violation of the ordinance shall be considered a separate and distinct offense.
This emergency ordinance will be enforced by a City code compliance official or law enforcement officer.
Exemptions from the ordinance:
- Any person who is unable to safely wear a face covering due to age, an underlying health condition, or is unable to remove the face covering without the assistance of others; any person whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering.
Mayor Marilyn Hatley says that she hopes to lift the ordinance in 30 days.