San Francisco’s vaccine mandate requiring bars, restaurants, and gyms to check customers’ vaccination status went into effect starting on Friday, Aug. 20.
The vaccine checks in San Francisco started Friday in certain businesses, according to some business owners.
Sittnick noted that if someone doesn’t have their vaccine card or other information, “they can still eat outside.”
“There is an option and we just need to be ready for different scenarios,” Sittnick said.
Pearce Cleaveland, co-owner of the Temple nightclub, said his security guards have been trained to check all forms of vaccination proof, as well as falsified copies of vaccination cards.
“We’ve had people who get upset at the door when they’re turned away, but in general they’re understanding,” he said. “It’s the tourists who are generally disappointed, when they’re unaware of the requirement and can’t get vaccinated quickly enough.”
The systems being deployed by New York City and San Francisco have received significant blowback from business owners and locals, who have argued the move is unlawful and violates individuals’ right to privacy.
A number of restaurants filed a lawsuit this week against New York City over the vaccine passport system, according to the Independent Restaurant Owners Association Rescue. They are seeking an injunction against the citywide mandate.
The order, the association said, is not only “arbitrary, irrational, unscientific and unlawful,” but it would “severely impact” the business, livelihoods, and businesses of members of the group.
Irene Siderakis, owner of Kellogg’s Diner in Brooklyn, said she will file a lawsuit against Mayor Bill de Blasio over the passports and announced she will not comply with the city’s guidelines.
