Vaccine Proof At Restaurants? Scotch Plains Favors The Idea

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, 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.

Scotch Plains has a high rate of vaccination. Sixty-eight percent of all ages, 84 percent of adults and 88 percent of seniors have been fully inoculated against the virus as of Friday afternoon.

Fanwood is even higher with 70 percent of all ages, 87 percent of adults and 88 percent of seniors have been fully inoculated against the virus.

But the idea of requiring proof of vaccination before you dine doesn't rub all in Scotch Plains and Fanwood the right way. Scotch Plains-Fanwood 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 responses in favor of the idea than not.

"More likely, but I feel bad for families that have kids under 12. They lose the opportunity to dine. Remember back in the 80s we had smoking and non-smoking sections in restaurants. Wonder if you have a Vaccinated and non-vaccinated section!" said Karen Polito.

"More likely. I appreciate any and all precautions taken to keep patrons safe," said Mary Fagan Ducran.

"More likely to dine there. Knowing that those around me are vaccinated makes me feel a bit more comfortable," said Michael D Dsurney.

"More more more!" said Mark Zacharia.

However, some Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch readers said they'd be less likely to patronize a restaurant with a vaccination requirement.

"No because I have a child under 12 who cannot be vaccinated yet. I'm pro vax but if we can't go as a family we're less likely to go," said Rachel Foster Bejarano.

"Nope. It’s my right to keep my privacy just it is their right to allow people in or not," said Elia Ricardo.

"Would make no difference to me at all. My only concern would be my 1 child who isn’t vaccinated but if it was just me and my hubby out, gladly given them my business," said Cecilia SG.

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 Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch's Facebook page.

— With additional reporting by Josh Bakan

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