Bars require virus shots or tests
To protect employees and customers, the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance — a group that represents 300 businesses in the tourism-dependent city — announced Monday that its members have decided to limit indoor service to those who have been vaccinated or can prove they are free of COVID-19.
“Effective Thursday, July 29, it will be the official position of the SF Bar Owner Alliance that any customer who wishes to remain inside our establishments show proof of vaccination or a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test,” the group’s statement reads. “Guests without these verifications are welcome to sit outside in parklets or other spaces we offer.”
The notice added: “It will be up to each individual bar to decide how best to enforce this.”
Although the group said the decision is “based solely on our need to protect our workers, customers and their families,” the members went on to say that they hope the mandate might influence people who have not received vaccinations to do so. “We understand that the only way our society (and our businesses) can ever return to true normalcy is through higher rates of vaccinations among our residents, not just in San Francisco but across the United States of America.”
That’s the sentiment at the Buena Vista Cafe, famous with locals and visitors for its Irish coffee. The restaurant and bar isn’t a member of the alliance but nevertheless instituted its own policy on Monday.
“These requirements are starting to spread quite fast because the city has made such gains,” said general manager Larry Silva. “We’re 80% vaccinated.”
Because the city is a destination for state, national and international tourists, it’s important to “stay ahead of the delta variant,” he said.
Seating at the Buena Vista is 50% inside, 50% outside. On Monday, Silva said, the customers who were dining inside were very happy with the cafe’s decision. Those who aren’t vaccinated were seated outside in a heated, covered space.
The decision by the alliance, which was founded by longtime bar owner Ben Bleiman, came as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration announced that state health employees would be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination or current COVID-19 test results.
A handful of Bay Area bars and restaurants already are enforcing such policies, including Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland, Vesuvio in San Francisco’s North Beach and the Haberdasher speakeasy in downtown San Jose.
Also in San Jose, the 7 Stars Bar & Grill — a “Star Wars”-themed lounge on Bascom Avenue — reopened for business a few days ago with a vaccine mandate in place for customers. The owners announced the news in nononsense fashion on their Facebook page:
“Yes, we mean it! No, we won’t debate it. No, it’s not illegal. No, it’s not discrimination.”