Failure to wear mask carries $100 fine in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Violators of California's mask requirement will be subject to a hefty fine in South Lake Tahoe by the end of the week.

The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Tuesday night to impose a $100 fine on individuals and $500 on businesses that fail to comply with the statewide requirement to wear a mask in public to help guard against the spread of the coronavirus.

The council directed the city manager to issue an emergency order authorizing the administrative fines by Friday.

Mayor Jason Collin says failure to wear or mask or practice social distancing is a blatant disregard for the safety of people who live and work in South Lake Tahoe.

The city plans to post digital message boards to alert visitors and local residents about the enforcement policy.