Vaccine passport having impact on some Vernon businesses

Sep 17, 2021 | 6:00 AM

The BC Vaccine Card, which came into effect Monday in the province, is having a varying impact on Vernon businesses.

As of Sept. 13, people had to start showing proof of immunization of one COVID-19 vaccine dose to access “discretionary” social and recreational events such as restaurants, pubs and bars, indoor ticketed sporting events and concerts, along with gyms and excercise facilities. Proof of a second dose will be required as of Oct. 24.

Dan Proulx, general manager of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, said he spoke with one restaurant manager who said this week has been horrible as sales are down 66 per cent.

“He’s also frustrated as he looks across the street to a packed fast food chain [which don’t have to screen customers]. I spoke with another restaurant that is struggling and sales are below 60 per cent. They have dealt with a few disgruntled people and a few fake passports. However, the anxiety of how the next person might react coming through the door weighs on them,” Proulx told Vernon Matters.

Proulx said the main thing he’s hearing is that businesses and non-profits are being contacted by members of the community to ask if they are checking passports.

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“Businesses who are mandated to check passports are being told if they comply with the order that they will refuse to do business with them. What is perhaps more frustrating is that many businesses who are not mandated to check passports are being dragged into this as well because they are left with a choice. They are getting calls from both sides. Angry people who want them to check passports and angry people who don’t. Both sides expressing that they will refuse to do business,” said Proulx.

Susan Lehman, executive director of the Downtown Vernon Association, said while people may be deciding where they would like to spend their money based on the passport, they have not seen it having an impact with their members yet.

“From the businesses we’re hearing, it’s a non-starter,” Lehman told Vernon Matters. “I think there is a lot of chatter on social media, but were not hearing directly from businesses that it’s having a negative impact so far. The best word we’ve been using to describe it the past few days is anti-climactic.”

Lehman said high intensity fitness classes were first included as having to get proof of vaccination, but that changed on Monday when they were excluded from that.

Katie Dahl, owner of Wings Vernon and the Italian Kitchen, said they have not had any major issues, but business has been a bit slower.

“Overall most [customers] are well prepared. It is important that guests arrive prepared with some ID, and then no issues at all. We had a very busy night on Wednesday, [but] Monday and Tuesday were very slow,” Dahl told Vernon Matters.

Dahl said there are always a few surprises.

“We had one guest who is a health worker that we know well, but she forgot her proof of vaccine at home. She was super pleasant but forgot her proof. We let her in but will have to tighten it all up for sure,” Dahl remarked.

Businesses can either scan the QR code on a smart phone using a QR reader and check the person’s ID, or visually verify the person’s card and identity.

The vaccine card is only required for sit-down service at restaurants, and does not include fast-food restaurants, coffee shops and cafeterias.

The card is also not required at religious gatherings, schools, hospitals or any other essential service.

People from other Canadian provinces or territories must show an officially recognized vaccine record and a valid government photo ID.

by Pete McIntyre

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