Starting Monday in the city of Los Angeles, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required indoors at restaurants, bars, movie theaters, museums, fitness and yoga centers, nail and hair salons, and entertainment facilities hosting music and sports events.
The city’s new vaccine verification requirements expand on Los Angeles County’s mandate, which on Thursday began requiring proof of full vaccination at bars, lounges, nightclubs, breweries, wineries, distilleries and large outdoor and indoor events.
Unvaccinated patrons or those without vaccine proof can opt to use outdoor areas of said venues. They can also be allowed to enter a location briefly if masked to use the restroom or pick up an order.
If customers have a medical or religious exemption from the vaccine mandate, they must show a negative COVID test within 72 hours.
According to a brief prepared by law firm Lewitt Hackman in Encino and shared with the Business Journal, “a covered establishment must require patrons to show proof of vaccination when they first come into contact with staff. For patrons who appear to be 18 or older, a covered establishment must also cross-check the proof of the vaccine/negative test against the patron’s photo identification.”
Starting Nov. 29, venues not implementing the requirement can be issued a citation and can be fined $1,000 for a second violation, $2,000 for a third violation and $5,000 for a fourth and each subsequent violation.
The ordinance passed by the L.A. City Council states that the goal of the rule is to ensure public health and safety and prevent more COVID-19-related illness and deaths.
“Although vaccines are widely available in the city, many eligible residents are not yet vaccinated,” the ordinance states. “If there is not a significant increase in vaccination coverage, local health experts warn that there will be a cycle of repeated surges every few months. The city has an interest in increasing vaccination rates which, in turn, will help stem the spread of COVID-19 and protect its residents against a disease that threatens the health, safety and well-being of everyone.”
