The good, the bad and the abusive: Businesses report variety of experiences with vaccine card program
CBC
Six weeks into the B.C. vaccine card program, the assistant general manager of the province's biggest stadium said it's been a resounding success.
"We're seeing a lot of guests coming into the venue feeling really confident that they're protected in the space," said Jenna Visram of B.C. Place. "They can enjoy live entertainment and live events again in a safe manner and they're happy to be here."
As of this week, patrons at non-essential establishments such as dine-in restaurants, gyms or movie theatres will need to provide proof of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The province's proof-of-vaccination program was announced in August and started rolling out Sept. 13, when customers were required to have one dose of vaccine. Since then, business owners are reporting a variety of different experiences dealing with the program, their customers and enforcement.
B.C. Place has invested in additional personnel. And they're seeing results.
"We're in a really, unique setting here where we have only approximately 90 minutes at most to get in 10,000-plus fans," said Visram. "So yes, we have definitely had to bring in more staff, but we've been really creative in the way that we've deployed people."
At a recent CFL game, only one guest in approximately 12,000 was turned away for not having the appropriate proof of vaccination.
Other, smaller venues are feeling the weight of enforcement more acutely.
Inez Cook, the owner of Salmon n' Bannock restaurant in Vancouver's Fairview neighbouhood, says policing the vaccine card program is a lot to ask of a small business.
"You need to have extra staffing to take care of that and it is causing additional stress on our already short-staffed industry."
Mostly, she said, her clientele has been OK with the extra step.
"Some people tried to sneak in one day and we had to get them to leave, unfortunately. But other than that, generally speaking, the people have been pretty understanding."
For some establishments though, interactions have escalated to harassment and abuse.
Justin Tisdall is the owner of Beetbox and Juke Fried Chicken restaurants in Vancouver. He's in favour of the vaccine card program.
This First Person column is the experience of Shannon Flaman, who lives in Red Deer, Alta. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
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