NORFOLK, Va. — Health officials temporarily suspended the food permits of three restaurants in Norfolk for not complying with coronavirus health regulations.
Mack's Barge on Colley Avenue, The Living Room on North Military Highway, and Chicho's Backstage on Granby Street were the three restaurants.
Health officials initially revoked the food permit at Mack's Barge when they found that the establishment allowed bar seating, which is prohibited in Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan.
By Wednesday, the Health Department had reinstated the license for Mack's Barge.
The Living Room also allowed bar seating and didn't enforce proper physical throughout the entire lounge.
Chicho's Backstage Cafe had its permit revoked for not enforcing proper physical distancing measures at the bar and within the entire space.
Their food permits will be restored once the restaurants correct the conditions in question and their premises are inspected.
Health officials in Virginia Beach pulled the food permits of two restaurants there.
RELATED: Health officials suspend food permits after restaurants in Virginia Beach disobey governor's orders
After seeing COVID-19 cases spike in Hampton Roads, Gov. Ralph Northam ordered more stringent enforcement of state health guidelines that are intended to help slow the spread of the virus.
One thing he wanted health officials to do was to conduct unannounced visits at restaurants around the region to make sure they're following the rules. He also made it clear that if businesses weren't obeying the COVID-19 guidelines, they would be putting their permits/licenses at risk.