Skip to main content

Face Coverings Required in IOP Retail & Food Service Establishments Effective July 1

City Council held an Emergency Council meeting on June 26, 2020 at 3:30 p. m. to reconsider an Emergency Ordinance (PDF, 148.77 KB) to require the public to wear facial coverings when in retail and food service establishments on the Isle of Palms beginning on July 1, 2020. The Emergency Ordinance (PDF, 148.77 KB) requires both customers and employees to wear face coverings when in areas accessible to the general public which are enclosed as part of a retail or food service establishment. The ordinance includes the following exemptions:

Face Coverings shall not be required:

  1. In outdoor areas adjacent to retail and food service establishments in which social distancing of at least six feet is possible and observed;
  2. For people whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering;
  3. For those who cannot wear a face covering due to a medical or behavioral condition;
  4. For children under two (2) years old, provided that adults accompanying children age two through ten (10) shall use reasonable efforts to cause those children to wear Face Coverings while inside the enclosed area of any retail of food service establishment;
  5. For patrons while they are dining;
  6. In private, individual offices;
  7. When complying with directions of law enforcement officers; and
  8. In settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering, including when obtaining or rendering goods or services such as the receipt of dental services or while swimming. 

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has issued an opinion that cities and towns can lawfully pass ordinances requiring masks. Read the opinion here.