Los Angeles Passes Proof of Vaccination Ordinance

As anticipated, the Los Angeles City Council  passed an Ordinance and Mayor Eric Garcetti signed it, on October 6, 2021. The Ordinance requires patrons to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before entering “certain public locations.”

Covered businesses (including restaurants, gyms, entertainment venues, spas, etc.) will bear the burden of verifying the vaccination status of their patrons, as well as cross-referencing IDs for those patrons who appear to be over age 18.

Since the Ordinance did not garner 12 votes, it will not go into immediate effect. It goes into effect November 6, 2021 (i.e., 31 days from its publication). This creates some confusion with the dates specified in the Ordinance (i.e., a signage requirement as of October 21, 2021 and the verification requirement as of November 4, 2021). Enforcement of the Ordinance (including monetary citations) begins November 29, 2021. Rules and regulations to interpret and clarify the Ordinance will likely be introduced in the next couple of weeks.

Los Angeles business owners will need to comply with mandates regarding signage, written policies for checking proofs of vaccination, and other requirements.

Additionally, business owners and management will need procedures for handling patrons or employees claiming religious and medical exemptions. Please refer to our previous post, Los Angeles Closer to Proof of Vaccination Ordinance, for more information.

Tal Burnovski Yeyni is an employment attorney, defending business owners and management in discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and other claims.

This information provides an overview of a specific developing situation. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice for any particular fact or situation.