McMaster Allows Restaurants with Outdoor Seating to Reopen

Feature Image Source: TheState.com

Governor Henry McMaster lifted statewide “Work-or-Home” orders on Monday, allowing restaurants to offer outdoor dining in addition to existing take out, curbside, and delivery options.

Additionally, McMaster lifted executive orders regarding coronavirus hotspots, meaning that visitors to the state no longer will need to self-quarantine for two weeks. The state is still strongly urging all people to minimize travel outside of work and home and asking that anyone who shows symptoms to immediately seek medical attention for testing or treatment.

“Our goal from the onset of this deadly pandemic has been to protect South Carolinians, but as we all know, the state’s economic health is a major component of the state’s public health,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “South Carolinians, now more than ever, should be vigilant in protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their communities by practicing social distancing and continuing to follow the advice and recommendations from our public health experts.”

The following guidelines have been issued for restaurants to follow if offering outdoor seating:

Existing approved outdoor seating areas:

• Tables are to be spaced a minimum of 8 feet from each other (measured from all edges of the table);
• Limit table groups to 8 individuals;
• Eliminate gatherings in the building when entering or exiting outdoor seating area;
• Maintain strict social/physical distancing guidelines;
• Tables, chairs, and seats should be sanitized after every customer

If open areas and/or temporary tents are utilized by existing, permitted restaurants, all sides of the tent must be open and the following conditions are required:

• Tables are to be spaced a minimum of 8 feet from each other (measured from all edges of the table);
• Table groups are to be limited to 8 individuals;
• State-approved fire extinguisher within 75 feet of tent area;
• Minimum of 7-foot-6 inch headroom (ceiling height)

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