More than 100 businesses falling short on proof of vaccination requirement

More than 100 businesses across King County have received complaints of not complying with the county’s proof of vaccination requirement.

Last month, King County put the new rule in place, which impacts places such as restaurants, gyms, bars, and entertainment venues.

“Most people ask if they can see your vaccine card or like a picture of it, said Brian Inch, who was enjoying a night out in Ballard Wednesday.

Since the policy went into effect, King County said 150 businesses have received complaints for not complying.

Five of those businesses — a gym, yoga studio, ice rink, casino, and a brewery —have received multiple complaints.

But it’s not just businesses struggling to keep up. Customers have to be ready to provide proof in various ways.

Inch said, “whether that’s going to be on a phone, whether that’s a paper copy, whether it’s been laminated. I mean there’s just so many different options.”

And even the type of business can make a difference, like a coffee shop versus a concert venue.

“They don’t ask if I just get my drink and then leave,” said Sappure Sunwater, who recently visited a coffee shop.

“Usually you walk in. They see your ID, they see your tickets, then you’ll go in through like secondary security will see your ID and then your vaccine card,” said Yssy Wallace-Wells, who recently went to a concert.

And that’s part of the problem — one of the businesses listed in the complaints said with so many ways to verify vaccination, customers get confused with what is and isn’t accepted as valid proof.

The county reached out to the five businesses that received multiple complaints, telling KIRO 7: “We were able to provide education on the policy, such as where to post public signage, referral to in-language resources, and clarification on the legal requirement to comply. All of these businesses expressed an intention to cooperate and come into compliance.”

©2021 Cox Media Group