Vaccine Proof At Restaurants? Clark, Garwood Says No Way

CLARK/GARWOOD, NJ — New Jersey does not require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to eat at a restaurant. But some eateries around the state have weighed whether they'd like to institute their own rule.

It's Greek to Me in Ridgewood became perhaps the first in the Garden State to require proof of vaccination for guests who want to dine indoors. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, of Morristown, asked customers for feedback on whether they should get proof from diners.

Clark's rate of vaccination is slightly more than half of the population. Fifty-nine percent of all ages, 71 percent of adults and 84 percent of seniors have been fully inoculated against the virus as of Friday afternoon.

Fifty-eight percent of all ages in Garwood, 68 percent of adults and 86 percent of seniors have been fully inoculated against the virus as of Friday afternoon.

But the idea of requiring proof of vaccination before you dine doesn't rub most of those in Clark and Garwood the right way. Clark-Garwood Patch asked readers whether a requirement of proof would make them more, less or equally likely to dine at such a restaurant. The question received more than 100 responses, the majority of them against the idea.

"Very, very unlikely and would ask my friends and family not to go..It's still a free country right?" said Genevieve Meade Van Natten.

"I would not dine there…nobody’s business whether I’m vaccinated or not!" said Angela Infantino Villaraut.

"Less. I am fully vaccinated but I feel it's everyone's personal choice," said Arlene Brennan.

"If that starts I’m staying home," said Gina Muccia.

"Wouldn’t go back. It’s nobody’s business honestly besides mine. You can close your doors for good for all I care if you start that," said Jerry Scaturo.

However, some Clark-Garwood Patch readers said they'd be more likely to patronize a restaurant with a vaccination requirement.

"More," said Shannon Zak.

"More. But only if I like the food there," said Regina Dehmer Swierc.

Starting Monday, New York City will require proof of vaccination to access indoor restaurants, gyms and performance venues. Children under 12, who aren't eligible for the vaccine yet, will be able to enter indoor venues with their families.

Cases in New Jersey have risen with the emergence of the delta, which accounted for 90.4 percent of infections sequenced in the state over a four-week period ending July 24. The delta variant only accounted for 9.7 percent of New Jersey cases in December.

Hospitalizations in the state increased from 293 on June 28 to 763 as of Wednesday. Fully vaccinated individuals accounted for 18.5 percent of cases (803 of 4,332), three percent of hospitalizations (11 of 378) and no coronavirus deaths (0 of 21) from July 20-26, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.

Patch issued a survey last week, asking New Jersey readers about issues such as potential masking and vaccine requirements. Out of 17,285 responses, 55.8 percent said they would support a vaccine passport to attend events and partake in indoor dining. Out of those responses, 37.5 percent said no, while the rest weren't sure. Read more: Yes Mask Mandate, School Masks, Vaccine Passport: NJ Patch Survey

How do you feel about restaurants requiring vaccination proof? Comment below the article, or join the conversation on Clark-Garwood Patch's Facebook page.

— With additional reporting by Josh Bakan

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