Some businesses have more questions than answers after the province announced proof of vaccination will be required for vaccine eligible Nova Scotians beginning next month to participate in discretionary activities.
Andrew Tanner, owner of Saltbox Brewery says last week’s announcement by the province that it would introduce proof for full vaccination for those 12 and up has left him with more questions than answers.
“Are we going to be responsible as a business for asking for that proof of vaccination and if we are to be put in that position, how is it being enforced?” said Tanner.
He adds that his staff have been enforcing the mask mandate since the beginning of the pandemic, so if they do have to enforce any proof of vaccination mandate, he believes it will be a similar approach.
“We have had some awkward conversations, we have had some unpleasant conversations but I don’t think that’s going to change, its just going to be awkward at times,” explained Tanner.
“If we are expected as a business to enforce it, and someone doesn’t want to cooperate, that’s not going to be a pleasant conversation and its going to leave a customer with an unpleasant experience, and that kind of thing could hurt our business for sure.”
He said he is looking forward to getting more information from the province on how exactly this will be rolled out.
Tanner added that despite the possibility of loosing sales, all of his staff are double vaccinated and he believes that knowing everyone entering his business is also double vaccinated does bring a level of comfort.
The province has said proof of full vaccination will be required for Nova Scotians who are 12 or older to participate in non-essential activities starting on October 4.
What would be deemed as a discretionary, recreational or non-essential activity was described in the province’s September 8 COVID-19 update as “dining out, going to a fitness facility, or going to a movie, theatre performance, concert or sporting event.”
The province also stated the proof of vaccination requirement would not apply to children 11 years of age and under because they are not eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, further stating that children under that age who attend these activities with a fully vaccinated adult will still be allowed to participate.
