Here are the SC businesses cited by the state for violating coronavirus restrictions
Eleven businesses have been cited by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for administrative or criminal violations of the state’s executive order designed to slow the spread of coronavirus.
One of the businesses cited was a Grand Strand bar that gained national attention for hosting a summer concert with few patrons wearing masks, according to agency data provided after a Freedom of Information Act request.
Since March, South Carolina residents have lived under various executive orders issued by Gov. Henry McMaster designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The orders include restrictions on the number of people who can gather in an area, seating locations in restaurants, and what types of businesses can be open and operate.
SLED agents have issued 10 administrative violations for disregarding the executive order. The business cited were:
- LA Sports - Anderson County on March 23.
- Uncle Tito’s - Georgetown County on April 17.
Nathan’s Sky Bar - Horry County on July 6.
- Lavish Lounge - Greenville County on July 10.
- Suck, Bang, Blow - Georgetown County on July 23.
Bucks Racks and Ribs - Horry County on July 29.
Kathy’s Bar and Grill - Lexington County on Aug. 15.
Gibson’s Bar - Colleton County on Aug. 22.
Ike’s Korner - Spartanburg County on Aug. 28.
New Jack City - Dorchester County on Aug. 29.
The state also issued one criminal citation, which carries a $100 fine — to Absolem Hookah Lounge in Florence County in late August.
The citation against Suck, Bang Blow came after the Harley Bike Week gatherings and concerts. Photos and video from the concert went viral and showed many people gathered in close spaces with few or no customers wearing masks.
SLED agents issued the citation a day after a Sun News story about the lack of social distancing and enforcement.
The state has also issued a dozen other administrative violations, such as breaking the rules of a liquor license, since the start of the pandemic.
SLED agents received a total of 285 complaints against business since March, with 120 being unfounded.
Agents have also issued 48 verbal warnings and 107 written warnings.
The SLED citations are in addition to local police agencies which cited businesses for violating the executive orders. Surfside Beach police issued two citations to people who refused to wear masks in a restaurant. Myrtle Beach police cited a North Kings Highway bar for having customers inside the restaurant when it was forbidden.
In Hilton Head, Breakthough Fitness was cited by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for operating in April.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed Uncle Tito’s as receiving a citation on Aug. 29.
This story was originally published September 2, 2020 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Here are the SC businesses cited by the state for violating coronavirus restrictions."
