After crowds on Glenwood South, Raleigh to vote on requiring masks
From the massive crowds gathered on Glenwood South this past weekend, you wouldn't know we are in the midst of a pandemic. Crowded restaurants and beer gardens had lines out the door--often without masks or social distancing.
Raleigh's Mayor said as a direct result of those crowds, she is looking into tightening rules on masks.
Steve Gardner, the general manager of Mellow Mushroom, said he understands both sides, and he isn’t taking any chances at his nearby business. He said, "I mean, I can see all sides of it. People have been cooped up for three months, and they just want to go out."
He said Mellow Mushroom tries to remind guests about social distancing. They also close early to avoid getting late-night crowds. "After a certain time, you do transform from a restaurant into a bar," he said.
Bars are still not allowed to reopen.
The bulk of the crowding over the weekend came from people waiting outside to get in. To help prevent crowded lines, Mellow Mushroom has patrons wait in their cars until a table is available.
The Raleigh Police Department has yet to comment today, but said previously it will respond to violations to COVID-19 restrictions with education rather than enforcement.
Meanwhile, Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and Wake County Commission Chair Greg Ford are looking into tightening rules for face coverings.
Baldwin said she wants 'more policing' of these crowds, but noted that she wants to find a right way to do it with all of the protests going on.
