Mandates about vaccine passports are becoming more and more prevalent. Major cities and regions are looking closely at how this regulation could affect the outdoor activities of consumers.
In New York City, the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) claimed that although the purpose of this regulation is to protect consumers and businesses, it’s doing the exact opposite.
Due to its strict implementation, it’s driving away both consumers and restaurant employees who are trying to go back to their usual activities. Restaurant staff is also exposed to hostile behavior coming from frustrated and angry customers who are not allowed to enter the premises due to their lack of documents.
But what exactly does this mandate entails for restaurant owners like you? Is it a great way to demonstrate your stand on a healthier and safer dining experience? Or would it bring a new set of problems, just as you thought the lockdown restriction issues had been resolved?
Read along to learn more about the potential effects vaccine passports might have on restaurants.
Vaccine Passports on Restaurants
Recently, England scratched the idea of requiring customers to present their vaccination cards or passports when entering establishments such as pubs, nightclubs, and event halls. However, it’s not the case for the whole of the UK.
In Wales, starting November 15, customers will be required to show their NHS Covid Pass to have access to large entertainment facilities such as cinemas, concert halls, and theater halls. It is also already mandatory if they want to go to nightclubs and unseated indoor and outdoor live events with a certain number of attendees.
In Scotland, the local authority has clearly stated that a negative COVID test cannot be used as a substitute for a vaccination passport. If a consumer would like to enter entertainment venues for adults and any other live events, they have to prove that they are fully vaccinated by securing a QR code from NHS Scotland Covid Status App.
Although on paper it’s easy to do and follow, some consumers find this process too much of a hassle. But don’t misunderstand. In general, consumers are in favor of vaccination drives and campaigns since they offer the reassurance of safety to consumers, but if they interfere with their daily activities, they might not support them.
Advantages of Vaccine Passports in Restaurants
Restores normalcy
Wouldn’t it be nice to dine in without having to be aware of physical distances or wearing a face mask? What year is it? 2018? Consumers no longer need to wear a face mask once vaccinated, while others may remain conservative and wear them.
An initiative like this may be a great way to show that the community is gradually recovering from the pandemic era and to promote normality. Seeing people wearing face masks can still instill fear in consumers.
Minimizes virus transmission
To minimize the transmission of the virus, vaccination passports were launched to be on top of monitoring and tracking. With most of the healthy protocols and social distancing relaxing, this is a great way for the health officials to manage the current situation.
And with the exposure that consumers may encounter while dining in or socializing in a pub, the risk of contracting the virus may be higher. Although it is still possible to contract the virus in a vaccine environment, the thing is, the symptoms would not be fatal.
Enhances the opportunity for protection
Even though other areas do not mandate vaccinations, people are still strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. If you’re an establishment that requires vaccine passports, just imagine the burden and anxiety that’ll be lifted off your customers’ shoulders.
As a result, your customers will have a better dining experience since they’re more comfortable with the people around them. As a bonus, you are protecting your staff from the possibility of developing severe symptoms of the virus being inhibited. Consider it a way to protect the management and business of your restaurant.
Disadvantages of Vaccine Passport in Restaurants
Virus transmission is still possible
It has been proven that vaccinations are effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and other serious symptoms associated with Covid-19 infection. It has not, however, been proven to prevent transmission.
Although you implemented a virus-prevention program as part of your restaurant management, it does not mean your establishment is virus-free. Despite your precautions, transmission is still a possibility, which could compromise your customer’s dining experience.
Unproductive intervention with the activity
There is a misconception that any vaccine program would rob individuals of their freedom and undermine their sense of equality. Consumers find this type of program unnecessary and unfair since it interferes with their day-to-day activities.
For example, pregnant women and consumers with other medical conditions are medically unfit to receive vaccinations. Even if they wish to be vaccinated, they are not medically cleared, so they cannot produce a vaccine passport. This affects many businesses, including Deliveroo restaurant partners.
Denying them service for that reason might be sending the wrong message. Having had to wait until a pandemic outbreak to restore a sense of community in their area, it would be devastating if it were to break while they were trying to recover.
Institutes discrimination and inequality
There could be ethical implications if someone were denied the right to live their daily lives because they lacked a vaccine. The application of this program to your restaurant management plan will lead to the perception that your establishment is biased.
Just think how difficult it would be for consumers in areas where vaccines will not be available right away? It could exacerbate the centuries-old battles against discrimination and inequality.
Whether this could be the new thing or not, vaccine passports aren’t impossible to incorporate into the everyday lives of consumers. It’s a simpler method to demonstrate that you’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of your customers.
And as you always do, your job is to adapt accordingly to what type of setting the market will provide you. It’s also your responsibility to manage the expectations of your customers, while still offering them the best and safest dining experience at the same time.
