Vaccine Proof At Restaurants? Parsippany Has Mixed Opinions

PARSIPPANY, 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.

Parsippany has a high rate of vaccination. Seventy-two percent of all ages, 84 percent of adults and 95 percent of seniors have been fully inoculated against the virus as of Thursday afternoon.

But the idea of requiring proof of vaccination before you dine doesn't rub all in Parsippany the right way. Parsippany 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 mixed responses.

"I'm not either extreme end of the vaccine debates, but I still say less," said Tom Miuccio.

"I would definitely take my business elsewhere," wrote Brian Cass.

"Less and I’m vaccinated," said Michelle Mykowski.

"Most are struggling still and now someone who wants to get out to eat who isn’t vaccinated won’t be able to go there," said Mike Iannone. "I don’t think it’s a good idea."

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

"It’s all about freedom," said Madana-gopāla Dāsa. "And businesses should have the freedom to ask for vaccination status (Just like they have the right to post 'No shoes, no shirt, no service'). It’s not discriminatory like the old days of racial discrimination because one cannot change one’s race but can always change one’s vaccination status."

"More, we should support a business for trying to keep their staff and you safe!" wrote Vicki Lambert Rice.

"I would absolutely be more likely to go and I would fully support their requirement," said Mark Paretti.

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 Parsippany Patch's Facebook page.

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