Downtown L.A.'s flower district was busy from the moment it re-opened to the public on Friday, and on Mother's Day, it was mobbed.
Customers had trouble maintaining social distancing and, as a result, more than two dozen business were cited by the City of L.A. for not adhering to "safety protocols."
Alex Comisar, who is deputy communications director to Mayor Eric Garcetti, told us via email:
"At the Downtown Flower Market, most shoppers and workers wore face coverings, but there was an increase in shopping for Mother’s Day. The City dispatched Bureau of Street Services and Department of Transportation officers to help control vehicle traffic and pedestrian circulation to mitigate crowding on Saturday and Sunday... Street Services teams spoke with more than 150 business operators each day and advised them to maintain clearances and adhere to the new safety protocols. Twenty-seven businesses received notices of violation."
One flower shop had signs asking people to keep the recommended distance but that was impossible for patrons given the narrow aisles.
Flower shops were among the businesses allowed to re-open on Friday, May 8. Parts of the flower district were only open to wholesalers and business owners while other areas were open to the general public.
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