some types of restaurants, including fast-food restaurants and mall food courts, are not required to to demand proof of vaccination.
tostenson said he’s hoping customers will not challenge staff, who he says are “exhausted” and “battle-seasoned” after 19 months of being on the front lines of ever-changing regulations.
“there will be lots of inspectors, inspecting businesses and watching people for bad behaviour. you can be fined for defying the health order. it’s a serious offence.”
according to the b.c. government, businesses that do not comply with the vaccine card order may be subject to a fine of $2,300, and individuals can be fined between $230 and $575. enforcement is “at the discretion of enforcement officers, including police, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gambling investigators and conservation officers.”
some british columbians are unhappy with the vaccine card requirement, saying it fails to account for the needs of people who face legitimate barriers to getting a vaccine or proof of immunization. however, the province has said use of the vaccine card is intended to be temporary, until jan. 31, and only applies to non-essential services.
a joint letter released by vancouver’s pivot legal society this month and sent to health minister adrian dix and provincial health officer dr. bonnie henry says the plan could restrict access to services for people who can’t get a shot for medical reasons, as well as people without government identification, which could include women fleeing violence, people who are homeless and undocumented migrants.