YBOR CITY, Fla. — As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Florida, law enforcement officials are cracking down on businesses.
Before entering many of the businesses here in Ybor City, you’ll notice a sign spelling out the rules. It’s simple. No mask- no entry.
Code enforcement officers are making sure these businesses abide by that.
Saturday night two teams of code inspectors and Tampa police made their rounds to Ybor City businesses looking for people not wearing masks.
Patrons said they cooperate because they want to have a good time.
“I was very apprehensive but I got my mask on. People are very, you know when they see you coming they put their mask up. Nobody wants to get in trouble and code enforcement has been doing a good job,” said Sandy Harper.
One restaurant manager said his patrons are mostly compliant, but they’ll sometimes forget to put their mask back on when walking to the restroom.
He said code enforcement has popped up to his business several times.
"Yes, they’ve definitely stopped and visited us, being in Ybor City with the night clubs and a lot of the bars that don’t serve food, I imagine that’s why we’re a frequent stop,” said Matt McKinnon, Manager Tampa Bay Brewing Company.
McKinnon said his business provides masks to customers who don't have one. They give out about 150 masks a week.
Business owners caught in violation face a fine of $150 for the first offense, $300 for a second violation and $450 for a third.
The last time code enforcement was out here they gave out about 10 citations.
