Despite efforts from police and security personnel to get people to keep their distance amid the pandemic, crowds have popped up on sidewalks in Arlington’s popular dining areas throughout the summer. Now Arlington County will begin enforcing a new social distancing ordinance, and failure to comply could cost you $100.

The ordinance, passed on July 31, prohibits groups of more than three people from congregating on certain streets and sidewalks along parts of Wilson and Clarendon boulevards.

Following complaints about “open defiance” of social distancing guidelines, County Manager Mark Schwartz said in a statement, “I remain deeply frustrated with what we are seeing in the community.”

The ordinance mandates that pedestrians stay six feet away from one another on the posted sidewalks and streets. A Phase 1 “warning period” will begin on Friday, Aug. 28 according to Arlington County Police, giving people in the neighborhood time to adjust to the new rules before receiving a fine. However, disobedient partiers along the posted streets can expect verbal and written warnings.

Posted signs indicate the enforcement areas, and additional locations in Crystal City are forthcoming.

The locations were chosen based on observations by the Arlington Restaurant Initiative and data collected through an online complaint tool residents can use if they spot a large gathering.

Arlington police say they hope the warning period this weekend will help encourage the public to be compliant and encourage awareness of the change. Starting next week, violators are subject to a traffic fine of up to $100. Enforcement will focus on nightlife, targeting the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. when revelers have typically congregated.

“I anticipate that I will come back to the County Board with additional recommendations to take more actions if we cannot minimize the spread of this pandemic,” Schwartz wrote.

Face coverings are still required inside certain types of businesses in Virginia for anyone in the Commonwealth age 10 or over, according to an executive order from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. Exceptions to the order include eating or drinking, exercising, and individuals with health conditions that prohibit wearing a face covering.