SPEARFISH, S.D. – Following in the footsteps of a decision by Rapid City, the city of Spearfish is planning on relaxing its ordinance that closes some businesses and puts restrictions on others.
Spearfish city leaders say businesses previously closed under an emergency ordinance may be able to reopen Thursday, April 30, as long as they follow specific directives.
Spearfish Mayor Dana Boke says local businesses can expect to see small changes as they continue to assess conditions.
The council passed first reading of an ordinance Thursday that mirrors the governor’s executive order. It will be up for a second and final reading on Monday.
The ordinance says any “enclosed retail business that promotes public gatherings” must suspend or modify business practices that involve 10 or more people in an enclosed space where physical separation of at least 6 feet is not possible.
That means, for businesses such as bars and restaurants, that occupied tables, booths, or other areas intended to accommodate on-site consumption must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. The business must not allow 10 or more patrons at any table, booth, or other area intended to accommodate on-site consumption, nor congregate in groups of 10 or more.
For businesses such as gyms and entertainment facilities: Only 9 or fewer people may be in the business at a time, unless the size of the business site is large enough to allow for 6 feet of distance between groups of no more than 9 patrons and the business enforces distancing requirements.
In addition, each of the affected businesses must establish a maximum occupancy rate based on 1 person per 36 square feet of public area in the business and post that maximum occupancy at the business entrance.
Employees who will be in public area in the business will be counted toward the maximum occupancy.
Businesses should continue to consider offering models that do not involve public gatherings, such as takeout, delivery, drive-thru, curbside services, social distancing, or other innovative practices that do not involve public gatherings in an enclosed space.
Businesses that do not comply with the mandates laid out in the ordinance could face a citation, which will be enforced in the same manner as any other ordinance violation.
