BRIDGEWATER, 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.
Bridgewater has a high rate of vaccination. Sixty-eight percent of all ages, 82 percent of adults and 89 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 all in Bridgewater the right way. Bridgewater 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 270 mixed responses.
"I respect the freedom of private businesses to choose how they run their business and the freedom of patrons to walk away if they don't like it," said Jennifer Willis Loughran.
"I am vaccinated but against sharing medical records. I would instead ask individuals to be responsible and wear a mask if unvaccinated. People need to be held accountable for themselves," said Bridget McLaughlin.
"Nope…and I would never attempt to dine there, even after this nightmare is over," said Kathleen Castano Goodis.
"Less likely and I’m vaccinated. What is happening to our rights and privacy as citizens of the United States. It’s way out of hand," said Jill Talke.
"I would not but I also wouldn't hold it against the business," said Michael Kowal.
However, some Bridgewater Patch readers said they'd be more likely to patronize a restaurant with a vaccination requirement.
"For outdoor seating, I think this is unnecessary. If it were indoor seating, I'd feel better about eating there. If I saw the staff unmasked, I'd leave," said Alison Huskiewicz Sentie.
"I would be happy to dine there because I’m not selfish. I do understand and respect certain individuals cannot be vaccinated. But the ones who chose not to for various reasons are the real problem. They are more likely the ones to not social distance or wear a mask when they should," said Michele Gorski.
"More likely! Glad they keep their employees and patrons safe," said Bex Moeri.
"Would gladly dine there as its more safe knowing all have been vaccinated!" said Julie Pirk .
"More likely. As a healthcare worker I have enough possibility of exposure at work. I’d be happy to dine at a place that had a lower chance of exposure due to vaccination of all patrons and employees," said Jessica Ivan.
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 Bridgewater Patch's Facebook page.
— With additional reporting by Josh Bakan
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