One day after New York City announced proof of vaccination will be required for indoor dining and drinking at bars and restaurants in the city, Chicago-based Metropolitan Brewing instituted a similar policy.
“Starting this Thursday, have that vax card in your wallet or stored on your phone, and be ready to whip it out,” the craft brewery wrote on Facebook. “After all the hard work we’ve done to literally survive over the past 16 months, we’re not letting anyone fuck it up for us.”
Beginning August 5, all adult guests must show proof of vaccination to visit Metropolitan’s taproom or patio. Children who are ineligible to receive vaccines are exempt from the new policy.
“We’re still family-friendly,” Metropolitan wrote. “Our vaxxed-only policy will help to keep your kids safe when they visit.”
Perhaps expecting pushback from some consumers, Metropolitan asked drinkers to “remember that our business is a privately-held entity.”
“As long as we follow the mandates issued by government bodies, WE make our rules,” the brewery wrote. “We’re here to serve our guests, but we are responsible for the health and safety of our Metro family.”
The staff at Metropolitan’s taproom on the north branch of the Chicago River is fully vaccinated, according to the brewery’s social media accounts. Non-vaccinated patrons can still purchase beer to-go, and are asked to wear masks when doing so.
If you aren't vaccinated, please wear a mask while making your carry-out purchases. And if you're eligible, quit fucking around and go get your shots.
— Metro Brewing (@MetroBrewing) August 3, 2021
Metropolitan does not plan to institute a mask mandate, unless one is put in place by state or local authorities.
“Our vaxxed-only policy makes it possible for us to feel better about seeing your whole, entire face,” Metropolitan wrote.
Nearby Revolution Brewing today announced it has reinstated its mask mandate for all patrons older than 2.
Starting today, we'll again be requiring all customers over the age of two to wear masks at the Taproom and Brewpub. If you show up without a mask, we'll have one ready for you. They can be removed when eating/drinking. Thanks in advance for your understanding and support. pic.twitter.com/BWquFVcwed
— Revolution Brewing (@RevBrewChicago) August 4, 2021
Chicago-based Hopleaf Bar shared on Facebook that its fully vaccinated staff will return to wearing masks during service. The craft beer bar noted that it will not require proof of vaccination for entry due to the possibility for vaccination card fraud, but asked unvaccinated patrons not to visit.
“Since the CDC vaccination cards are easily copied and counterfeited anyway, we are, for the time being, not going to make them a requirement for entry,” the craft beer bar wrote. “However, if you are not vaccinated, please stay away. If you show symptoms, stay home.”
Hopleaf remained closed for an extended period in 2020, foregoing takeout service. Since its reopening, owner Michael Roper has noticed significant shifts in the bar’s busier hours and customers’ drinking preference, he shared during Brewbound’s Brew Talks Virtual panel discussion last month.
The bar appealed to drinkers’ empathy in explaining its new honor-system policy.
“We desperately want to remain open and viable,” Hopleaf wrote on Facebook. “If Hopleaf is a special place in your life and you, for whatever reason, are not vaccinated, help us remain open by staying away until you are vaccinated.”
Hopleaf’s Facebook post drew supportive comments from patrons, who applauded the move.
“We are fortunate to have a customer base that is overwhelmingly fully vaccinated,” Roper wrote in an email to Brewbound. “All it takes is one though and currently, we feel that our best strategy is for all staff to be masked at all times when working.”
Roper is considering requiring proof of vaccination for onsite service, but the forgeability of vaccination cards and the Delta variant’s ability to spread among vaccinated people have given him pause.
“This is such a difficult time for our business,” Roper said. “No matter what we do or don’t do, it won’t be 100% correct.”
Last week, the Chicago Department of Public Health updated its guidance to recommend all people wear masks in public indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status. Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged Chicagoans to get vaccinated during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 4.
“These grims statistics — 97% of the people dying in Chicago are unvaccinated — should be a wakeup call for those who are still on the fence and hesitant,” she said. “This is entirely preventable.”
Listen. We’ve got to step up if we’re going to beat this thing. We aren’t helpless against the Delta variant.The vaccine is safe, effective, and will save your life. Mask up, vax up. https://t.co/w6ydyl8LTk pic.twitter.com/YyQ28O99zM
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) August 4, 2021
About 53.5% of Cook County residents are fully vaccinated, according to the Chicago Sun Times. COVID-19 cases in the county have increased 30% since June 26.