Clemson cites apparent violation of governor’s order

The Clemson police say they have video and photographs that depict a concert held Friday at a local establishment, and believe the event amounted to an unlawful gathering and a risk to public health and safety.  No arrests or citations were made Friday night, but one night later the campus police issued a notice to all establishments declaring such gatherings a violation of the governor’s emergency orders.  In the future, any owner or operator of a business allowing or providing gatherings can be criminally charged with violating the order.  Governor McMaster has given authority to law enforcement to monitor gatherings of more than three persons on public, semi-public, and private property and, if in the opinion of a law enforcement official, the gathering poses a health risk, that law enforcement official may order dispersal.  The city of Clemson has a mandatory mask law that requires the wearing of a mask inside and outside of a building.  To help accommodate businesses that have to lower their capacity to comply, the city council has adjusted the open container law to allow businesses to expand so that patrons may consume food and drink.  But the city has a social host ordinance that mandates prior approval before hosting a gathering outside of a business.