Long Beach to require proof of vaccination at bars, breweries, and more; follows County mandate

by Brian AddisonEditor’s note: This piece has been updated to reflect the City of Long Beach’s recent mandate.In one of the most prohibiting moves against those who are unvaccinated, Los Angeles County will be issuing a mandate which will require proof of vaccination—in addition to its previous mandate of proof of vaccination at events over 10,000 people—at bars, lounges, nightclubs, breweries, wineries and distilleries—but not, as of yet, restaurants.And Long Beach is following. Per the Health and Human Health Department:The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) willalign with Los Angeles County and require proof of vaccination at indoor bars, wineries,breweries and distilleries that do not serve food (establishments that are 21+). While notrequired, the Health Department also strongly recommends that restaurants establishsimilar proof of vaccination requirements for the safety of its staff and patrons.Throughout the pandemic, the City has proactively protected its residents and visitorsusing data and recommendations from medical experts. Data show that those who are18-34 years old are least likely to be vaccinated and are being infected at higher ratesthan other age groups. Indoor bars, breweries, wineries and distilleries are consideredsome of the most high-risk settings and have the highest instances of interaction withoutmasks. Further, they already require patrons to show identification and have establishedpractices to ensure compliance; these also are establishments often frequented bythose in their 20s and 30s who are the least likely to be vaccinated.Outdoor mega events of 10,000 or more people will require proof of vaccination or anegative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to attending. Attendees at indoor megaevents are already required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result prior toentry. The City has already proactively implemented this protocol for the largest outdoorevent in California, the Acura Grand Prix which is scheduled for Sept 24-26, 2021.The Department will issue a revised Health Order by the end of the week. To allow timefor compliance, patrons and employees will be required to be partially vaccinated byOct. 7 and fully vaccinated by Nov. 4.Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the County’s public health director and most significant voice in these decisions, believes that “targeted vaccine mandates are now a very important strategy for quickly raising vaccination coverage across our county and ending the pandemic,” per a report from ABC7.