MELBOURNE, Fla. – A popular Thai restaurant could be fined for some recent artwork on its building.
The city says Chez Quan's Takeout on Aurora Road has until Sunday to remove a 40-foot mural or face penalties.
Co-owner Adam Woodworth calls the mural art, uplifting his part of town.
"I try to present a little bit more of a different flavor than just the regular Thai restaurant," said Woodworth.
But the city calls it illegal.
City code says murals as big and with as much text as Chez Quan's are only allowed on buildings downtown.
Leaders say cover it up by Sunday or start being fined hundreds of dollars every day until it's finally removed, a disappointment to Woodworth and some of his customers.
"I love the coloring. I love what it does to this area," said Catherine Cook, a customer.
"I feel like it represents their style," said another customer, Joanna Branquinho.
Woodworth says he will find a way to cover it up, but first he will bring back the artist to finish painting the wall and take some pictures.
He later wants to take his cause to City Hall, seeking the right permit to be allowed to display the mural.
"I want to be within the guidelines of what I'm allowed to do," said Woodworth. "I just want them to allow me to do what they only allow in the downtown areas."