The Los Angeles City Council today approved a new ordinance that will require people to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before entering indoor restaurants, bars, gyms, shopping centers, entertainment venues and personal care establishments beginning Nov. 4.
The ordinance passed 11-2, with Councilman John Lee and Joe Busciano voted to oppose the law. Garcetti has already indicated his willingness to sign the ordinance into law.
Under the new law, indoor public spaces that fall under the ordinance will be required to display notices beginning Oct. 21 that inform customers about the vaccination requirement, which will go into effect Nov. 4. The ordinance would apply to establishments that serve food or beverages, gyms and fitness venues, entertainment and recreation venues -- including movie theaters, shopping centers, and personal care establishments.
However, retail establishments, including grocery stores and pharmacies, are not included in the draft ordinance.
The requirement will expire when the city lifts its emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are exceptions for the mandate - those with medical conditions that do not allow them to get vaccinated, or those with a "sincerely held religious belief." People who are exempt from the requirement would still be able to use the outdoor areas of the venue, however, establishments may allow them indoors if they provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Any outdoor event that contains 5,000 ore more people, would also require patrons to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
Businesses that violate the rules could be fined, with escalating penalties. A first violation is a warning, a second, a $1,000 fine, with the fines increasing for each subsequent violation. Fines would begin to be enforced beginning Nov. 29th.