Sioux Falls City Council passes 'no lingering' law

UPDATE, 5:40 p.m.

The Sioux Falls City Council has passed an ordinance that would limit patrons at certain Sioux Falls businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The council unanimously passed the law in a Thursday afternoon meeting. It went into effect immediately.

Mayor Paul TenHaken dubbed the ordinance the "no lingering" law. It would limit patrons at certain businesses to under ten patrons. It would apply only to patrons, not businesses.

TenHaken said the ordinance will not "shut down" any businesses; rather, it is aimed at encouraging social distancing.

Breaking the ordinance is a class two misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine and 30 days in jail. Businesses might also liable to lose their license.

Restaurants

Bars

Casinos

Breweries

Cafes

Coffee shops

Recreational & athletic facilities

Health clubs

Entertainment venues

UPDATE, 2:40 p.m.

The Sioux Falls Health Board has advanced an ordinance that would limit patrons at certain Sioux Falls businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The board unanimously approved the ordinance in a meeting Thursday afternoon. It still needs the City Council's approval before it comes law.

Councilor Pat Starr spoke during public input, saying he would like the board to discuss "what's next." He said he anticipates the city requiring to take stricter actions down the road, based off what local health experts are saying.

__________

The Sioux Falls Health Board is set to discuss an ordinance that would limit gathering at certain businesses Thursday afternoon.

The board will meet at 2 p.m. You can watch the meeting on our

.

Board members will discuss a proposal by Mayor Paul TenHaken to limit patrons at bars, restaurants, and other businesses to under ten people.

The ordinance is designed to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

If the board approves it, the measure would move to the City Council, which is set to meet at 4 p.m.