Vancouver restaurant says COVID vaccine card ‘simple’, as grace period ends

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The introduction of the B.C. Vaccine Card system has had its critics, but many restaurants believe it’s the best way to keep businesses going and avoid the restrictions we’ve seen in previous COVID-19 waves.

As of Monday, anyone entering certain non-essential settings, such as restaurants and movie theatres, will now have to show the official B.C. Vaccine Card along with their ID.

Currently, only one dose is required to get into indoor ticketed sporting events, gyms, nightclubs, pubs, weddings, and workshops. However, by Oct. 24, you must be fully vaccinated to access some events, services, and businesses.

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While videos of people acting up have circled online, some in the industry insist the system is working as it should.

Carl McCreath, president of restaurant operations at Steamworks, says the card has been “anti-climactic” so far.

“I think there’s been the odd customer that was on their bike, and they had their phone and they didn’t have their ID with them or something like that. Other than that, it’s been very smooth.”

As some staff have been put in tough situations while asking customers for proof of vaccination, McCreath stresses these incidents have been isolated cases.

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“For the most part, people have found the information they needed to properly demonstrate they’ve been vaccinated, and it’s been a very calm, simple transaction as people come in the restaurant.

“I can only speak for our properties but I can tell you that downtown, it’s been very calm and very simple,” he said.

“I think a lot of people had a bit of anxiety that it would be challenging. And I think for the most part, that hasn’t been the case.”

Any event organizer or business owner found to be in violation of the new vaccine card could face a $2,300 fine. Individuals could see $230 or $575, depending on the violation.

– With files from Mike Lloyd