Vaccine Proof At Restaurants? Basking Ridge Has Mixed Opinions

BASKING RIDGE, 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.

Basking Ridge has a high rate of vaccination. Seventy percent of all ages, 85 percent of adults and 88 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 Basking Ridge the right way. Basking Ridge 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 420 mixed responses.

"Much less likely. Discrimination is bad - all forms. Especially since vaccinated people spread covid just as much as unvaxxed people. This restaurant must not listen to science," said Katherine Benfante.

"Less likely. I am vaccinated and encourage it in others. But vaccinated people still get and can transmit the virus," said Nicole Avery.

"Less! I will cook at home or support a business that supports medical freedom," said Devon Phillips.

"We wouldn’t bother going- plenty of other restaurants to eat at that respect freedom!" said Jeannine OGrady Puello.

"If an establishment agrees with segregation due to medical decisions I will ban it. What happened to my body my choice? Medical decisions should not be public knowledge period! Segregation for any reason is not American period!" said Donnamarie Suszynski.

However, some Basking Ridge Patch readers said they'd be more likely to patronize a restaurant with a vaccination requirement.

"More likely. This is being required in NYC and I have no problem with it being done here. We protect our kids and medically fragile neighbors by getting vaccinated," said Susan Okin Goldsmith.

"More likely for sure. Right now I'll only do outdoor dining but if I knew staff and patrons were vaccinated I would be comfortable eating indoors too," said Cynthia Cammarota Vega.

"Definitely more likely! It means they care more about their staff and customers safety," said Joanna Garthwaite Rooney.

"Much more likely, with COVID surging, I would feel much safer dining where I knew other patrons were vaccinated against this deadly disease," said Pam Brill Ball.

"Much more likely! I admire anyone and anyplace caring enough to look out for its patrons and staff, even at the risk of loosing customers," said Hillary Cige.

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 Basking Ridge Patch's Facebook page.

— With additional reporting by Josh Bakan

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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