Back in July, a charity drive-in event turned into a rave. The Chainsmokers headlined a $25,000 a car drive-in event in the Hamptons, New York, that saw the rich concert goers get out of their cars and just start partying together. Today, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he would be fining the promoters of that event $20,000.
On Tuesday, Cuomo tweeted, "Following an investigation into the Chainsmokers concert in the Hamptons this summer, the promoters will be fined $20,000 for violating public health law. Further, the Town of Southampton cannot approve permits for group gatherings without State approval."
Approximately 2,000 people attended the concert, with prices ranging from $850 to $25,000 for VIP options. The promoters said at the time that attendees were cordoned off into smaller groups. Gatherings of over 50 people were banned at the time of the event in New York State.
Shortly after the news of the concert went viral, Cuomo commented that the Department of Health was filing an investigation into the matter. "Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations. I am appalled," Cuomo tweeted at the time. "The Department of Health will conduct an investigation. We have no tolerance for the illegal and reckless endangerment of public health."
While New York has allowed some closed set productions, like Saturday Night Live, return with limited audience, it looks like it will still be a way off until New York venues get clearance for any sort of large gatherings, metal concerts or otherwise.
