Sizzling Controversy Over In-N-Out Burger ‘Vaccine Police’ Stance

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — In-N-Out sparked a national conversation when it took a stand against the San Francisco health department. The agency shut down the California-based burger chain’s only San Francisco restaurant when it refused to force workers to ask customers for proof of a COVID-19 vaccine and a photo ID.

“We refuse to become the vaccination police for any government,” company executive Arnie Wensinger said in a statement emailed to Patch.

The In-N-Out chief legal and business officer added, "It is unreasonable, invasive, and unsafe to force our restaurant Associates to segregate Customers into those who may be served and those who may not, whether based on the documentation they carry, or any other reason."

Patch readers agreed. In a recent Patch survey, out of a pool of 7,834 respondents, 65 percent said businesses should not have to confirm if someone is vaccinated against COVID-19 before allowing them to patronize the business.

The survey, which appeared in questionnaire form on Patch this week, is not meant to be a scientific poll but only to give a broad idea of public sentiment.

Reders gave thoughtful reasons for their responses. One person said, “If a muni government wants to police business patrons, they should provide the staffing resources to do so. Placing this burden upon private business is intrusive and unacceptable.”

Another added, “I’m so glad In and Out took a stance for freedom and justice.”

But other respondents thought In-N-Out should have complied with the health department order. One said, “In-N-Out is making this a political issue rather than a health issue.”

Another said, “Proof of vaccination protects us all. People who don't want to comply should STAY HOME and businesses who don't want to comply should not be patronized until they do.”

Beyond San Francisco, other California counties also require proof of vaccination, or plan to in the near future.

In the survey, we asked respondents: Do you think all businesses in CA should only allow vaccinated patrons inside?

• 33.2 percent said yes.
• 64.1 percent said no.

While the Patch survey was intended for California residents and asked respondents for their home county, people from other parts of the country added their comments directly to the story.

One reader in Pennsylvania said, "Way to Go!!! Need more places with balls..and burgers ;)"

A concerned New Yorker pointed out, "Everyone in the United States is affected by decisions of people in other states because of travel."

Patch appreciates your participation in this survey.