Governor Henry McMaster has announced that COVID-19 safety measures related to the sale of alcohol and large social gatherings will be terminated effective Monday, March 1st, as he lifts the Last Call Order imposed months ago.
This means that restaurants may resume normal alcohol sales as licensed by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and South Carolina Department of Commerce approval for events involving more than 250 people will no longer be required.
McMaster imposed the 11 p.m. cutoff in his Executive Order 2020-45 on July 11th. When it took effect, it prevented those businesses from selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption between the hours of 11 p.m. and 10 a.m.
Restaurant and bar owners have been calling on the governor to remove the restriction, and are undoubtedly happy that Gov. McMaster lifts the alst call order.
“With the spread of the virus consistently decreasing across the country and more of the most vulnerable South Carolinians being vaccinated every day, I believe these targeted and limited safety measures are no longer necessary,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.
“The virus is still among us and we all must continue to make responsible decisions to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, but those decisions are for South Carolinians to make.”
For information about how COVID-19 continues to impact South Carolinians, and the 30-day trends for “key indicators” visit SCDHEC’s website here.
South Carolinians are still strongly encouraged to take appropriate safety precautions, including practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings when social distancing is not possible.
“Many South Carolinians have done their part by practicing the prevention measures we know work,” said DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer. “We are here today because of our citizens’ careful and ongoing efforts and we thank you for taking care of each other and putting your community and people first. I urge you to continue wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, staying home and away from others if you’re sick and when it’s your time, get a safe and effective vaccine. Working together, we will defeat COVID-19.”
While approval will no longer be required by the Department of Commerce, it is recommended that organizers of large gatherings implement the following, previously mandatory, safety guidelines:
- Limit attendance of large gatherings to either 50% of the event space’s posted occupancy limit or fewer than 250 people
- All employees, customers, patrons, suppliers, vendors, visitors or other people in attendance at a large gathering should wear a face covering
- Organizers, operators, owners, or hosts of a large gathering shall take reasonable steps to incorporate, implement, comply with, and adhere to any relevant sanitation, “social distancing,” and hygiene guidelines established by the CDC, DHEC, or any other state or federal public health officials.
Events previously approved by the Department of Commerce that have not yet taken place are encouraged to follow the same guidelines.
