On Wednesday, October 6, Mayor Garcetti signed a vaccine mandate, which requires eligible individuals, 12 years and older, to show proof of full vaccination in order to enter indoor public spaces. Applicable indoor public spaces include restaurants, bars, gyms, sports arenas, nail salons, and all indoor City facilities. People attending large, outdoor events will also need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the event.
Beginning on November 4, 2021, businesses must check visitors’ vaccination status, and full enforcement of the mandate will begin on November 29, 2021.
Mayor Garcetti stated that: “These new rules will encourage more people to get the shot, and make businesses safer for workers and customers — so that we can save more lives, better protect the vulnerable, and make our communities even safer as we fight this pandemic.”
Proof of Vaccination Requirements
Eligible individuals must provide proof of either:
- A vaccination card issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”);
- A photo of both sides of the vaccination card;
- Documentation from a health care provider; or
- A digital record of vaccination issued by California, another state or country.
Non-Vaccinated Individuals
Customers who are not fully vaccinated are still permitted to use an establishment's outdoor space. Additionally, such customers are permitted to use the establishment’s indoor spaces for brief moments, such as using the restroom, picking up a to-go order, or paying, as long as they are wearing a face covering during that time.
Individuals with religious or medical exemptions for vaccinations are required to show negative coronavirus tests obtained within 72 hours of entry to indoor spaces.
Implications for California Business Owners
Starting November 29th, businesses that do not comply with the ordinance will first be warned, but then are subject to a $1,000 fine for a second violation, $2,000 fine for a third violation and a $5,000 fine for a fourth violation
