Key to NYC now requires restaurants and other indoor food service establishments to ask guests 12 years and older to provide proof of vaccination. Intended to protect public health, avoid future shutdown, and keep guests safe, staff tasked with denying entry to those that cannot provide proof have been receiving backlash.
The following can help prevent conflict:
- Know what to say to a guest and how to say it.
- Listen without judgement.
- Provide “reasonable accommodations” for guests with:
- disability
- pregnancy
- religious beliefs
- status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sex offenses
- Prepare guests for what to expect by including a vaccination policy on your website.
Some things to consider:
- As “covered” businesses, NYC restaurants and other indoor eating establishments can enforce stricter policies as long as Key to NYC requirements are met.
- While the mandate allows guests to be let in without proof for a “quick limited purpose”, you could choose not to.
- Key to NYC only requires proof of one dose, you could require guests to be fully vaccinated
Key to NYC resources for conflict resolution:
- Vaccination Mandate Conflict Resolution Training Video for Businesses (also see below)
- Conflict Resolution Tips for Businesses and Workers
