Mandate for Full Vaccination Takes Effect Thursday at Indoor Bars

Patronizing or working in an indoor bar, winery, brewery, nightclub or lounge in Los Angeles County and Pasadena will require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 beginning Thursday.

The order also recommends, but does not require, vaccine verification for employees and customers of indoor portions of restaurants.

Pasadena’s regulation mirrors the county mandate phased in beginning in early October, when workers and patrons at such adult-oriented businesses were required to show proof of at least one dose of COVID vaccine.

But starting Thursday, everyone will have to have proof of full vaccination and present a photo ID.

Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said when the mandate was announced that the county limited the vaccination requirement to adult-oriented establishments that sell alcohol, since they are already required to verify customers’ age. She said adding a vaccine check should not require additional staffing or be unduly difficult for the businesses.

Beginning Monday, an even more expansive vaccination-verification ordinance will take effect in the city of Los Angeles. That ordinance will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry to indoor restaurants, bars, gyms, shopping centers, entertainment venues and personal care establishments within the city. The ordinance does not include grocery stores or pharmacies.

The Los Angeles city ordinance is believed to be the strictest law of its kind in the country, however, questions still remain on how the city plans to enforce the requirement. City officials have suggested the Department of Building and Safety is the most logical enforcement agency, however, that department lacks the personnel to conduct such enforcement.