SOUTHAMPTON, NY (CelebrityAccess) — The promoter behind a crowded Chainsmokers concert in the Hamptons last summer is facing a potential fine of $20,000 for violating the Public Health law mandating masks and social distancing.
The fines were announced in a press release by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who cited concert promoter “In the Know Experiences,” for holding the gathering, which was described as non-essential and one where masks requirements and social distancing rules were not enforced.
The concert, which took place on July 25th, was a fund raiser for the Nova’s Ark Project, and included a performance by the Chainsmokers, as well as a DJ set by Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon (performing as DJ D-Sol).
According to New York State, the promoter obtained a special events permit for the concert from the town of Southampton, based on assurances that numerous measures would be implemented to guard against the spread of COVID-19.
However, the State claims that application omitted information about a designated “friends and family” section where concertgoers could freely mingle without wearing masks.
It was videos of crowds in that section which went viral on social media after the show, sparking outrage and prompting the investigation by state health officials.
The concert was also oversold and according to New York State, an investigation by the Department of Health showed that more than 2,150 concertgoers attended the event, exceeding the maximum number allowable per the permit.
“The Chainsmokers concert promoter is charged today with violating an Executive Order and Section 16 of the Public Health Law. As I said immediately following reports of this event, it was an egregious violation of the critical public health measures we have had in place since the beginning of this pandemic to protect New Yorkers from COVID-19,” Governor Cuomo said. “We will continue to hold people and businesses accountable for their actions and the local governments must enforce the rules or else we will hold them accountable as well.”
