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Tampa suspends liquor permits for 2 bars over masking
Aaron Mesmer reports
TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa City Council members voted Thursday to temporarily suspend the alcohol permits of two businesses for violating COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Tangra nightclub and Ybor Cigars Plus will both have to shut down for three days next week following what code enforcement officers said were repeated violations, including unmasked patrons crowded inside the establishments.
"Most businesses have complied. So we know it can be successfully done," said city attorney Gina Grimes. "However, we found that there's approximately 10 establishments that have ignored the warnings and ignored the first citation and ignored the second citation."
The city has cited both businesses twice following a warning last year.
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City attorneys showed photos of unmasked patrons at Tangra.
Tangra owner Christopher Lenahan told council he has tried his best to comply with the mayor's executive order that requires bars and restaurants to enforce mask-wearing while not eating or drinking.
"We've taken this very, very seriously and we've always worked hard and gone above and beyond," he said, adding he's handed out thousands of masks, posted large signs and kicked people out for violating the rules.
"If a manager had got on stage and said, 'There will be not more music and no more drinks until you adhere to the law,’ guess what? We wouldn't be here right now," said Councilman Charlie Miranda.
The businesses scheduled to appear Thursday, which included MacDinton's Irish Pub, faced a possible 30-day suspension of their alcohol permits.
MacDinton's appearance was delayed until March 8.
Tampa to pursue suspending, revoking alcohol permits for repeat violators of COVID-19 orders
Tampa will begin cracking down on businesses violating COVID-19 restrictions and will suspend or revoke alcohol permits for establishments that get two or more citations.
"We're running at a loss for a long time," Lenahan added. "I had to put money back into the business and to be closed for 30 days would be pretty traumatic."
A second set of bars and clubs are facing similar accusations and will have their public hearings 9 a.m. Monday. Those are Purple Heart Bar Lounge & Grill, 7th + Grove Restaurant and Bar, The Ritz Ybor, and Prana in Ybor.