West Hollywood to require COVID-19 vaccination proof at restaurants, bars, nightclubs

West Hollywood city officials issued a sweeping vaccination mandate Friday that will require people to show proof of inoculation against COVID-19 to enter restaurants, bars, gyms and other businesses with indoor operations.

The rules will go into effect “as soon as possible but no later than Oct. 11,” according to the city’s announcement.

Officials cited continuing high transmission rates for the coronavirus’ Delta variant. People 18 and older who wish to enter the businesses as well as employees at those businesses will be subject to the new order, which is scheduled for ratification by the City Council at its Sept. 20 meeting.

“‘Vaccine mandate’ does not mean ‘involuntary vaccination,’” the order says. “Rather, such programs impose consequences on individuals who refuse to get vaccinated, such as not allowing access to certain places.”

Under the new rules, adults will have to show proof they are fully vaccinated before entering the indoor portion of any of the following facilities:

• Establishments where food or drink is served indoors, such as bars, restaurants, nightclubs, theaters and entertainment venues.
• Health and fitness facilities such as gyms, recreation facilities, yoga studios, dance studios and similar businesses.
• Personal care establishments such as tattoo parlors, piercing shops, massage therapy, tanning salons, nail salons, hair salons, barbershops and aestheticians.

Those who don’t show proof of full vaccination can use the outdoor portions of any of these kinds of businesses, officials said. Children younger than 18 will not be required to show proof of vaccination.

All businesses that fall under these categories will have to post signage announcing the new requirement, officials said.

Owners and managers of the businesses affected by the order have until Oct. 11 to “use their best efforts” to find out whether all employees who regularly work on-site are fully vaccinated and until Nov. 11 to make sure all who regularly work on-site provide proof of full vaccination before coming into any indoor portion of the business.

People wishing to use city facilities have until Oct. 11 to ensure they can show proof of full vaccination. The requirement applies to team sports, athletic activities and privately organized clubs and leagues held at a city facility, officials said.

City contractors will have until Nov. 1 to show their proof of full vaccination before they go into any city facility or interact in person with city employees or the public.

City employees and officials, including temporary employees, interns, contract personnel and volunteers, as well as elected or appointed officials, will be subject to a separate vaccination policy.

Under that policy, city employees and officials will have until Nov. 1 to be vaccinated, officials said.

The following items will be accepted as proof of full vaccination:

• A vaccination card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes the person’s name, the type of vaccine provided and the date of the person’s last dose, or similar documentation issued by a foreign government.
• A photo or copy of a vaccination card as a separate document.
• A photo of a vaccination card stored on a phone or electronic device.
• Documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider.
• A digital vaccination record issued by the state of California and available at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
• Similar documentation issued by another state, local or foreign governmental jurisdiction, or by an approved private company.

West Hollywood officials said the vaccination mandate is aimed at protecting health and safety.

“COVID-19 continues to present an imminent threat in the city of West Hollywood, across the region, and throughout the nation,” officials said. “Although vaccines are now widely available, many people in the state and region are still not fully vaccinated.”

Anyone seeking more information on the emergency order is asked to contact Janet Jimenez, assistant to West Hollywood’s city manager, at (323) 848-6376 or at [email protected].

Those who are deaf or hard of hearing should call (323) 848-6496.