As live music continues to make its return to the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles has passed a new mandate requiring those attending concerts indoors to show proof of vaccination. The Los Angeles City Council passed the ordinance on October 6; will come into effect on November 4.

Those planning to attend indoor concerts as well as movie theaters, gyms, coffee shops, malls, nail salons, and more will be required to show proof of vaccination upon entry. In a statement, spokesman Harrison Wollman said,

“These new rules will encourage more people to get the shot, and make businesses safe for workers and customers—so that we can save more lives, better protect the vulnerable, and make our communities even safer as we fight this pandemic.”

Fines for the new ordinance will not begin to be issued until November 29. Those who violate the new ordinance will receive a warning on the first violation, a $1,000 fine on the second, and a $5,000 fine for the fourth and all subsequent violations. Councilman Paul Koretz said of the penalties,

“I know that I would personally take pause when walking into a restaurant that had been warned or cited for violations, so I think this would have an impact.”

Customers will be allowed to submit written exemptions for religious or medical reasons; however, those exempted will be required to either use outdoor facilities or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The law will expire once the city lifts its emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Via: Los Angeles Times

Featured image: Jake Southard

Tags: coronavirus, covid-19, covid-19 vaccine, los angeles, Vaccination

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