Two Greater Victoria businesses are already pushing back against B.C.’s coming vaccine card, saying they refuse to ask their customers for proof of vaccination.
The Sunnyside Cafe in Esquimalt and The Fitness Academy, a gym with two locations in Victoria, said they will not ask customers to show their vaccine card when it comes into effect in B.C. on Sept. 13. Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Monday that proof of vaccination will be required for entry to non-essential indoor activities, such as restaurants, gyms, concerts, and arts and cultural events.
The announcement was followed by a significant increase in the number of registrations and bookings for first doses, especially among people under 40, on Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday, there were 10,175 new registrations, more than three times the number on the previous Tuesday, the province said. The same day saw 9,486 bookings, more than double the number of bookings last Tuesday.
As of Wednesday, 83.5 per cent of eligible British Columbians 12 and older have received a first dose and 75.4 per cent have received both.
Stephanie Herring, co-owner of the Sunnyside Cafe, said she believes it’s a violation of privacy for her staff to ask for customers’ vaccination status and she won’t put staff in a position that could become confrontational.
Her staff has already faced customers who are angry about being asked to provide their phone numbers for contact tracing, Herring said, and she has heard from many customers, including those who say they’ve been vaccinated, that they oppose the new rule. “It just puts us in a really awful position, because people who don’t want to show their card, we’re supposed to then ask them to not come into the restaurant. People are going to be very upset about it.”
Herring said the vaccine card puts the burden on her staff to enforce the provincial health order, and if the province wants to increase vaccination uptake, they should find another way.
“They can’t just deem certain businesses as non-essential, and then give us the dirty work and make us mandate something for them,” she said. Herring declined to say whether she has been vaccinated.
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins said she was saddened by the café’s statement. “I am supportive of the provincial direction but hope businesses get assistance to manage this volatile change.”
Dave Puhky, co-owner of The Fitness Academy in Victoria, said he won’t ask his customers to show their vaccine card because he doesn’t want to add to the divisions he sees in society. “I do believe that we should have a choice of what we put in our body. And it’s not for me to decide.”
Puhky said he hasn’t been vaccinated because he has heard he could experience side effects and doesn’t want to feel sick again after falling ill with COVID-19 a few months ago during a trip to Singapore. He said he would consider getting the shots, but he thinks the vaccines have been rushed and wants “to see it play out a little more.”
Puhky said while his decision may make some people feel less safe about coming to his gym, he has received an outpouring of support since posting his stance on social media.
When B.C.’s vaccine card takes effect Sept. 13, you will need at least one vaccine dose to enter non-essential indoor events and places. By Oct. 24, entrance will require two doses, with the second dose administered at least a week prior.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said it will be engaging with businesses over the next several weeks and it expects all to comply. There are enforcement measures that can be considered, such as closure, the ministry said.
