TAMPA, Fla. — Purple Heart Bar Lounge and Grill has held on to its ability to sell liquor. The new bar and restaurant went before the Tampa City Council today for a hearing regarding its citation.
On December 18th 2020, code enforcement cited Purple Heart for COVID-19 precaution violations.
Today, the council voted and decided by a narrow margin that there was not enough evidence against the bar and there was a reasonable amount of effort put forth by the owner to keep customers and employees safe.
Owner Keith Norates was thrilled with the decision.
"Thanking God that I wouldn't have to close my business," Norates said. "It is a new business. So, even a one-day suspension can hurt me. I have employees, it trickles down. It domino affects everything."
Since the initial citation, Norates has doubled down on COVID-19 protocols and has made adjustments.
"If we have to come to you about putting your mask on, more than once, we are going to ask the customer to leave at that point," said Norates. While it is not required by the state, Norates does not want to take any chances.
Since the December 18th citation, Purple Heart Bar Lounge & Grill has not received another citation.
- CVS offering COVID vaccine to Florida teachers under 50
- $600K in COVID-19 precautions: Here's what to expect at this year's Florida Strawberry Festival
- House passes sweeping police reform bill named after George Floyd
- Senate debate on COVID bill, $1,400 checks may start today
- SpaceX's Starship sticks its landing but blows up
- Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
