L.A. to require proof of COVID-19 Vaccination at Indoor Venues

Covid-19 Vaccine Bottle Mockup (does not depict actual vaccine). By Daniel Schludi.

The Los Angeles City Council Oct. 6, approved a new ordinance that requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter indoor restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, hair and nail salons and many other indoor venues.

The council held off a vote on the law last week, when Councilman Joe Buscaino said he would withhold his vote after he raised concerns about how the new rules would be enforced.

However, Buscaino eventually voted against the ordinance after council members disagreed with several amendments he proposed. None of the council members seconded his motion to amend the law.

The vote was 11 to 2, with Councilman John Lee and Councilman Buscaino opposing the law. Mayor Eric Garcetti signed the ordinance Oct. 6.

The new law states, businesses must require proof of vaccination when customers enter indoor facilities, including coffee shops, gyms, museums, bowling alleys, spas and other venues. The requirements go into effect Nov. 4, The requirements are set to expire when the city lifts its emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Los Angeles rules allow customers to submit written exemptions for religious or medical reasons. The rules will apply to patrons who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including through an emergency use authorization. Children who are too young to be eligible for the shots would not be subject to the requirements to enter businesses.

Unvaccinated people will be provided alternative arrangements for access to government services, which may include online or outdoor services or providing a negative test to enter an indoor facility.

The county order requires patrons of indoor bars, wineries, nightclubs and lounges to begin showing proof of at least one dose of vaccination starting Oct. 7 and show proof of full vaccination by Nov. 4. Additionally, Oct. 7, participants and workers of outdoor events with 10,000 or more people must provide proof of full vaccination or show that they’ve recently tested negative for the coronavirus.