LA County to Require Proof of Vaccination for Bars, Nightclubs

Los Angeles County is slated to force businesses, such as bars and nightclubs, to discriminate against unvaccinated people by requiring proof of vaccination to enter the establishments, County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer announced on Wednesday.

Ferrer informed the Board of Supervisors of the coming order on Wednesday, which will apply to “indoor bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs and lounges,” according to FOX 11. Per the order, both customers and workers at nightclubs will have to have to be fully vaccinated by November 4.

Notably, the order will not extend to restaurants, specifically, although vaccine passports at the door will be “strongly” recommended.

The order will also extend to big outdoor events with over 10,000 people — such as sports games — requiring attendees to show proof of vaccination or produce a negative coronavirus test.

“This modified health officer order aligns with the continued need to reduce risk of transmission and increase vaccination coverage,” Ferrer told the board, pitching it as a “reasonable path forward that will position us to be better able to break the cycle of surges.”

The order is reminiscent of the rollout of New York City’s “Key to NYC Pass,” which requires certain businesses, including restaurants, to require proof of vaccination prior to entry. Enforcement of the rule went into effect this week. Businesses that violate the rule could face fines of up to $5,000.

At the time of the announcement in August, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, said it is time for people to view getting vaccinated as “literally necessary to living a good and full and healthy life.”