L.A. TO REQUIRE PROOF OF VAXX INDOORS

The L.A. City Council approved an ordinance on Wednesday to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter indoor restaurants, shopping centers, entertainment venues, nail and hair salons, coffee shops, bowling alleys, museums, gyms and more.

Mayor Eric Garcetti intends to sign the measure into law. It will take effect on 11/4. Fines will be enforced as of 11/29.

Under the new regulations, businesses must require proof of vaccination when customers enter indoor facilities. The requirements will expire when the city lifts its pandemic emergency declaration.

The L.A. rules allow customers to submit written exemptions for religious or medical reasons, but businesses must require those customers to use outdoor facilities or show evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test if no outdoor facilities are available. Customers who have no proof of vaccination or exemption can still enter briefly to use the restroom or pick up a takeout order.

The mandate expands on the health order passed 9/17, which required bars, lounges, breweries, wineries and nightclubs to ensure that their patrons show proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine by 10/7 and full vaccination by 11/4. The earlier ordinance also stated that organizers of “mega events,” with more than 10,000 attendees, must require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.