RICHMOND, Va. — Richmonders hoping to snag a reservation at Bookbinders Restaurant on Tuesday were met with a disappointing sight: lights off and empty tables.
John Taxin, the owner of Bookbinders, expressed his frustration with the situation.
“We can’t operate. No if, ands, or buts,” Taxin said. “We cannot afford to take a chance. You know, there’s just no way it can be done.”
The citywide boil water advisory began Monday afternoon , causing a massive disruption to the water supply and leaving many businesses unable to function.
Taxin added that the lack of sanitary conditions was a critical issue.
“Even if we had the water pressure and we wash the dishes, they’re not… It’s not sanitary, so we have to do it again. So we flat out, there’s just no way whatsoever we can operate without boiling water.”
Across town on Hull Street, Philly Vegan faced the same dilemma.
“We had to shutdown,” said Samuel Veney, co-owner of Philly Vegan. “It’s impossible.”
Under the emergency guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health, all water used for cooking and washing must either be boiled, bottled, or trucked in. Additionally, restaurants must provide access to a public restroom and water for flushing to employees and diners.