Ridgewood Restaurant Requires Vaccination Proof For Indoor Dining

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A local restaurant may be the first in the state to require proof of vaccination for guests who would like to dine indoors.

It's Greek to Me has been creative in the dining options offered to patrons throughout the pandemic, but as cases continue to rise and the delta variant spreads, the restaurant is taking new precautions. Read more: Dine In At Ridgewood Restaurant's Heated Greenhouses This Winter

Below is the restaurant's official statement:

"For the safety of our fully vaccinated staff and patrons, beginning Tuesday, August 10, indoor dining will be reserved for those showing proof of vaccination. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. All of our outdoor dining options will remain available to everyone.We urge all of our friends to stay safe. Thank you."

It's Greek to Me isn't the first restaurant in New Jersey to consider following the lead of neighboring New York City when it comes to verifying vaccination status.

Starting Aug. 16, 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.

In Morristown, Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen recently announced they'd consider requiring proof of vaccinations, and also required their servers to again don masks.

This news comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled all 21 New Jersey counties as areas with either "substantial" or "high" community transmission.

Still, Ridgewood is over 70 percent vaccinated, according to the most recent New Jersey Department of Health data. Data shows that 72 percent of all residents are fully vaccinated, while 78 percent have received at least their first dose.

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