THE authorities have fumbled over whether florists should be allowed to remain open amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Readers have pointed out several flower shops trading in Brighton and Hove despite strict Government rules banning all non-essential stores from opening.

But neither the council nor the police shouldered responsibility – and both claimed the issue fell under the other’s remit.

Brighton and Hove City Council was contacted for comment, but a spokesman suggested enforcing a ban “might be a police matter”.

But a spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “The local authority environmental health and trading standards officers are responsible for enforcing the regulations requiring businesses to close.”

The Argus:

go.botanica in Hove Station say they are abiding by the rules

The authorities have been scrambling to get to grips with the lockdown rules since they came into force last month.

The Government has said only essential businesses are allowed to remain open.

All retailers have been told to close to prevent the spread of the disease, and only market stalls selling essentials such as groceries and food can continue trading. There is no special provision for flower sellers.

A florist at go.botanica at Hove station said her shop had needed to open to arrange large deliveries of flowers for funerals.

And a florist at The Flower Stand in Palmeira Square said he was also selling fruit and vegetables.

They therefore said they are abiding by the rules.

  • At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.