Shorewood Business Says Visitors Must Be Vaccinated

SHOREWOOD, WI — This business in Shorewood announced Monday it will now require all patrons to be vaccinated.

The measure is being taken by Draft & Vessel, a bar with locations in Shorewood and Wauwatosa. The new rule will rely on the honor system for enforcement, the owner announced on Facebook. Shorewood's location is at 4417 Oakland Avenue in Shorewood.

The owners decided to make the rule for the safety of its employees. A full statement posted to Facebook read:

"The long version: It's a tough time to be in business. The pandemic has caused challenges that after a year and a half have severely affected the service industry. At this point the political and moral debate can rage on, but businesses have to make decisions that will keep them open and keep their staff safe. Right now, that decision is to require vaccination for anyone entering the bar.

This gives us the best shot at protecting staff from getting sick or having to quarantine. You may have heard there is a staffing shortage in this industry and if we lose anyone to quarantine, it could mean shutting down for multiple days.

We think anyone can agree that no matter what your position on the "debate," nobody wants to see businesses hurt who are just trying to survive.

This is not an ideal solution to anything, but it's currently one option that will make it most likely D&V can survive this next wave of the pandemic."

Some commented favorably for the new rule while others were against. When asked about how the business plans on enforcing the measure, the owner wrote it will be based on the honor system.

"No matter what someone's beliefs on the matter are, there's no reason to be dishonest. Honesty is a trait respected by all," the comment said.

Karen Pilarksi, Patch Staff, contributed to this report.