American Legion post fined for September gathering
The American Legion Post 28 faces a $1,000 state fine following a September event which officials say about 250 people attended in violation of social-distancing and face-covering orders.
The Division of Public Health sent a letter Oct. 15 to the post regarding a bike rally held Sept. 19 at the Oak Orchard facility. Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement notified DPH that the event would exceed 250 people, according to the noncompliance letter, and officers later observed attendees who were not wearing face coverings and others who were not practicing social distancing of at least six feet.
Based on the two violations, DPH assessed the post two administrative penalties – $500 for attendees observed without face coverings and $500 for attendees not socially distanced.
The post has 30 days to pay the fines, but it can contest the penalty and request an administrative hearing.
American Legion Post 28 Commander James Beattie could not be reached for comment before the Cape Gazette's deadline, but in an Oct. 20 letter to the editor sent to the Cape Gazette, the post thanked participants for a successful rally. The event was held on the same weekend as the annual Ocean City BikeFest that attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region. The letter notes that there were separate vendor and entertainment areas, and face coverings and social distancing were both required.
“We would like to thank all the bikers and vendors who participated in our rally held Sept. 19,” the post letter stated. “Due to your strong assistance in following all the COVID-19 guidelines we had in place, this event was a great success for our veterans programs.”
