Mayor outlines details on indoor vaccine mandate
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Restaurants and entertainment venues will need to check for proof of vaccination for indoor experiences starting today. AP Photo/Kathy Willens
By Rachel Vick
New York City’s restaurants, bars and entertainment venues — and the people looking to enjoy them — now have new details on the rollout of the city’s pseudo-vaccination mandate.
The Key to NYC initiative starts Aug. 17 and will require at least one dose for patrons and employees in indoor establishments. However, businesses will have one month to implement vaccine checks before the city will begin enforcement.
“It is the ultimate encouragement to get people vaccinated… there are so many amazing things in this city that you can participate in if you're vaccinated,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during his briefing on Monday. “We want people to enjoy the fullness of the city, but you got to be vaccinated to do it.”
De Blasio said he remains confident that the initiative is the best way to get people in their 20s and 30s on board with the shot, and that there is already robust outreach planned to ensure businesses are prepared before enforcement starts on Sept. 13.
The goal, he said, is not to penalize businesses, but that after a month-long grace period there will be no hesitation on enforcing fines starting at $1,000, and going up for each violation.
“I think all of these pieces move us forward to the day, not long from now when we won't need these rules,” de Blasio said. “And then our cultural institutions can open up 110 percent in every way. So, I'm always listening to [criticism], but I really think this is the right approach to get us where we need to get.”
He compared the requirement to bars checking IDs or gyms checking membership cards, explaining that the idea of limiting entry is not unheard of. To prepare for the chance of non-compliant patrons, the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings is putting together an online de-escalation training for small and medium sized businesses.
Queens Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Grech said that his phone was “ringing off the hook” with calls from concerned business owners frustrated with the plan to fine operators whose patrons violate the mandate. Grech said the burden should be on the federal government, not individual citizens trying to make ends meet.
“I truly, truly hope that as the state as the city works out the wrinkles over this next period of time, they truly think more about getting folks vaccinated than thinking more about punishing and fining those restaurants or businesses that are challenged with now becoming the vaccine police,” he said.
“It’s tough stuff,” he added. “It should not be dependent upon cities and states to [enforce a mandate]. It needs to be federal legislation enforced at a federal level.”
Citywide canvassing, a 311 hotline and a dedicated website combined with Small Business Services outreach are already planned to help get restaurants on track in the first month.
Information will be available in multiple languages and on a website with tips for businesses to implement the required checks.
“We're in the streets speaking with small businesses and also partner with our bids, chambers of commerce, and other small businesses groups,” said SBS Commissioner Jonnel Doris, “So folks are well aware of all the information and make sure that they have the requirements that are met, but also, we're there with them hand-in-hand, that's what we've been doing from the start of this pandemic. We'll be here for you.”
