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.