Myrtle Beach duo refused to wear masks at Grand Strand restaurant and face fine, cops say
Two Myrtle Beach residents became irate when required to wear a mask at a Grand Strand restaurant and now face a $100 fine each for violating a state order, police say.
Surfside Beach police Chief Kenneth Huffman said the incident happened Saturday at Hamburger Joe’s. He said employees called police after two customers refused to wear a mask.
Earlier this month, Gov. Henry McMaster issued an order requiring face coverings for employees and customers in restaurants. The executive order hopes to slow COVID-19’s spread.
While the Town of Surfside Beach does not have a mask ordinance, it falls under the executive order law.
When Surfside Beach police got to the restaurant, the customers got angry, Huffman said. He described a bit of a scene as the customers voiced opposition to the requirement.
Officers cited Courtney Elaine Cummings and Steven Darrell Cummings for violating the executive order. The violation carries a $100 fine.
Huffman said officers have been proactive in trying to inform local eateries about the mask requirements. Police visited the restaurants with information and quick-guides so employees know the requirements to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
“I’m glad they were comfortable enough to pick up the phone,” Huffman said of Hamburger Joe’s.
A manager at Hamburger Joe’s on Wednesday declined to comment about the incident.
Several Grand Strand municipalities have passed mask laws that require face coverings in many retail, restaurants and personal service businesses. In Myrtle Beach, officers have conducted compliance checks for the past month. In total, three businesses were cited for violating the order and more than 340 were in compliance.
This story was originally published August 12, 2020 at 2:14 PM.
