"Flowers Bar & Restaurant, a long-running establishment at 4247 University Way NE, is closed temporarily after a Seattle & King County Public Health food inspection on May 3 found violations of COVID-19 Safety Regulations. Per the public health website, the closure stems from “repeated occurrences of failure to observe directives of the Governor and WA Secretary of State” involving the use of face masks and social distancing. The history of non-compliance for Flowers dates back to August 2020, according to the report, with incidents involving restaurant crowding, table spacing, and “limited masking.” The May 1 report has a note stating that owner Fadi Hamade said “multiple times [he did] ‘not care about people, not care government orders, and COVID-19 Safety Regulations.’” Hamade told the Seattle Times that those allegations were “a complete fabrication” and that his employees double-masked. Meanwhile, the health department sent the Seattle Times a photo that showed a packed house at Flowers. No evidence of COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced back to the bar, the health department told the Times. In order to reopen, Flowers will need to have a written COVID Prevention and Safety Plan approved." - Adele Chapin
