L&I temporarily closes The Black Pearl restaurant in Mt. Airy

Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspection has temporarily shut down The Black Pearl Restaurant in Mt. Airy.

A red- and- white striped notice from L& I posted outside of 7200 Germantown Ave. cites the business for building, zoning, electric and plumbing code violations. L&I officials ordered the soul food restaurant to close by Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. until the business obtained a series of permits.

Owner Gerald Young said Tuesday that he needs permits to install two sinks and a garbage disposal at the restaurant. He also said he has too many tables inside. The space is zoned for approximately 50 tables, but he has about 80.

” They’re just simple permits. It’s not something we have to submit plans for,” said Young. 

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He said he will be compliant with the city by the end of the week. 

An L&I official said Tuesday that restaurant representatives have 35 days from the date of the closure to obtain the necessary permits. The restaurant, which opened in May, will have a total of three opportunities to fix the situation before the matter heads to Municipal Court, according to the official.

Check back with Newsworks for updates as this story develops.

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