CLEVELAND — When the state mask mandate and other health orders went into effect last year, restaurants had to adjust to meet the requirements and still be able to serve their guests. It wasn't always easy for staff.

"It changes the whole service aspect as well, because before when you sat down, the server had to bring you placemats, silverware, water, glasses," said chef Dante Boccuzzi.

Boccuzzi owns several restaurants throughout northeast Ohio. With the health orders lifting across the state, Boccuzzi is removing all "masks required" signs and letting customers decide their comfort level for wearing or not wearing a mask.

"We're not going to enforce anyone to wear a mask. If a customer shows up and they'd like to wear a mask or any staff members if they feel uncomfortable and want to wear a mask, everyone is free to do what they like."

Boccuzzi said the same policy will apply to his employees. They also can choose whether or not to wear a mask.

While masks won't be required at his restaurants, Boccuzzi said some COVID-19 measures will be sticking around for a while.

"We're going to keep this divider up. We're still going to keep these in place for a while. Just because not only is it comfort but it's privacy, too. So if a couple is siting in between these two dividers, I don't know, it's still kind of cozy."