Vaccine Proof At Restaurants? Hillsborough Has Mixed Opinions

HILLSBOROUGH, 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.

Hillsborough has a high rate of vaccination. Sixty-seven percent of all ages and 81 percent of adults 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 Hillsborough the right way. Hillsborough 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 140 mixed responses.

"I am the proprietor of Old Man Rafferty's. I, like others in my industry are in the hospitality business... Our goal is to serve and please all people who stop by; feed them a nice meal. We have never judged or will ever judge and turn away a patron simply because of how they choose to live their life. A choice not to accept a vaccine by any individual and refuse service will never happen in my establishment. People have a right and a choice to dine with us or just simply stay away. God bless America...freedom to choose," said Mark Jakuboski.

"Less likely. Not because I do or do not believe in the vaccine, but because I don’t feel private business owners should ever be allowed to dictate an individuals healthcare choices. Start allowing this and you are opening Pandora’s Box. We all know “no shoes, no shirt, no service” but this is on a whole new level," said Patty Anne.

"If a restaurant feels they need to know my vaccination status it’s a restaurant I will avoid," said Ginny Sprague.

"Less. Editing to say- I am vaccinated. But because I chose to vaccinate myself doesnt give me the right to pressure others to do the same with their body. To each their own," said Jenn Niki.

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

"More likely the health and safety for all of us is what’s important," said Lynn Morris-Urban.

"Way more likely! Full support!" said Nicky Ashley.

"More likely and I would go out of my way to make sure that I patronize them," said Donna Michlin Lubin.

"More! Would show me that the business owners care about the wellness of their customers, employees, and the community in general," said Cris Crapello.

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 Hillsborough Patch's Facebook page.

— With additional reporting by Josh Bakan

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