Recap: Future of Business in Lexington Amid COVID-19

Friday morning, we held a meeting with local restaurants and elected officials so we could relay accurate and helpful information to you about insurance
policies, alcohol and beverage sales and guidelines, the Town of Lexington Emergency Ordinance and more.

Here’s a recap of the meeting with the resources you need.

Current Action Steps: Lexington Chamber And Visitors Center

• Surveyed Shareholders to identify current needs of businesses.
• Created a page with updated information from SC Governor’s Office as well as local and national resources for businesses.
  
  (View COVID-19 Resources for Businesses)
• Communicating messages from businesses regarding their amended operations, specials, discounts and needs. (View Small Business Updates)
• Created Facebook group specifically for Town of Lexington restaurant owners and general managers for continued discussion.
  
  (Join Lexington Restaurant Association Group)
• Continually posting updates and messages regarding small business support on social media channels
  (Lexington Chamber on Facebook)

Insurance: David Perry, Perry Insurance Group

• Contact your agent for policy details and coverage specific to your business.
• Traditional Business Owners Policies (BOP) do not cover closure due to virus. However, you are encouraged to continue to file a claim for providers
  to see national impact. A future decision could be made to offer relief.

Alcohol & Beverage Policy: Message from SC Department of Revenue

We have made no change to Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) requirements in South Carolina’s laws and regulations. Any business with an On-Premises Beer/Wine
Permit is authorized to sell beer and wine to-go. Customers may enter the business or walk up (NOT drive up) to a window to purchase beer and wine
to-go. Learn more about license regulations at dor.sc.gov/tax/abl/licenses.

It is illegal to sell beer, wine, and liquor through curbside, delivery, or drive-thru service. It is also illegal for businesses with a Liquor by The
Drink License to sell liquor to-go. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will continue to enforce South Carolina’s ABL laws and regulations.

Town of Lexington: Britt Poole, Town Administrator

Council has signed an Emergency Order, allowed for 60 days by state law, that will be in effect until May 17, unless otherwise extended. The enacted ordinance
(View Full Ordinance Here):

• Stops any late fee or penalty for being late paying Hospitality Tax (H-Tax). H-Tax should still be collected but does not need to be paid until after
  the expiration of the Emergency Ordinance.
• Utility services will not be disconnected for nonpayment.
• Encourages all businesses and Town citizens to follow health guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, SC Governor’s Office and SC
  Department of Health and Environmental Control.

There have been no changes to business licenses at this time. After proposal of deferment, Pool advised he would relay that proposal to appropriate parties.

Town of Lexington Police Department: Message from Chief Green

For establishments with a liquor license or beer and wine permit, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has indicated that continued violation of
the order would subject the licensed premises to immediate revocation or suspension of the holder’s permit (SC Code Section 61-4-580). SLED recommends
that local law enforcement officers immediately notify SLED of continued violations so that appropriate administrative action can be taken.

Next Steps

The Chamber will be meeting with Gregg White, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s South Carolina District Office, next week to
discuss how Midlands businesses can apply for disaster relief loans.