Sep 16, 2021 - Health

Los Angeles County to require vaccination proof at indoor bars

Rebecca Falconer

A busy bar in Pasadena after reopening in June. Photo: Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Los Angeles County will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry to indoor drinking establishments including bars, nightclubs, wineries and breweries next month, officials announced Wednesday.

The big picture: Customers and employees in the nation's most populous county will have to show proof at such drinking venues that they've had at least one vaccine dose from Oct. 7 and both by Nov. 4. It's not mandatory at restaurants but is encouraged, per an L.A. County Public Health statement.

Officials will later this week issue an order to align with President Biden's policy in requiring "vaccination verification or a negative test within 72 hours prior to attending outdoor mega events" from Oct. 7, according to the statement.
People in the county are already required to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

What they're saying: "This is a reasonable path forward that can position us to be better able to break the cycle of surges," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the county health department, in a statement.

Of note: The new mandate announcement comes days after the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education became the first major school district to require vaccines for students.

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Los Angeles County to require vaccination proof at indoor bars

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