Vaccination Proof To Be Required In Businesses Across City And County Of LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) - Restaurants, cafes and other business owners were gearing up for the new vaccine verification rules that go into effect Thursday in Los Angeles County, along with vaccine verifications rules from the city of L.A. that go into effect next week as well.

Customers hoping to enter bars, wineries, nightclubs, lounges, concert venues and sports arenas in L.A. County will now have to show proof of vaccination.

Then, beginning on Monday, Nov. 8, a much more sweeping vaccination mandate will take effect in the city of L.A., where proof of full vaccination will be required to enter a long list of businesses, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, salons, theaters and gyms.

"I'm not really worried," said Danny Viveros Duarte, a host at the Guest House restaurant in Los Feliz. "You definitely mentally prepare."

Duarte will be the gatekeeper, the one in charge of verifying customer vaccinations before they can be seated.

"I go out to the bars and I have to show my vaccine card at places. So, if I'm aware, I'm sure other people are aware as well," he said.

RELATED: LA County Health Director Presents Criteria For Lifting COVID Mask Mandates

Some customers that spoke with CBSLA said they believe that proof of vaccination mandate will make more people likely to come out among strangers.

"I think it's great. It's something that we need just so we can feel safe," said Joseph LoBue, an Atwater Village resident.

Another Atwater Village resident, Anthony Marciona, echoed the sentiment, saying he felt more protected and that it's one of way beating the pandemic.

Others who spoke with CBSLA, and did not want to go on camera, said they opposed the mandates. There were also business owners concerned about going on camera because vaccinations have turned into an explosive political issue for some people.

"I know people have political feelings about it, but I just believe in the science," Marciona said.

For Duarte, he said he's ready for the challenge of making sure the people he seats got the shot.

Personally, it gives another skill set for the rest of my life," he said.

There are exemptions to the rule. For example, business owners can ask a customer for a negative COVID test if they do not have proof of vaccination.