California In-N-Out Shut Down for Refusing to Check Customers’ Vaccination Status

[IceWizard]

California In-N-Out Shut Down for
Refusing to Check Customers’ Vaccination Status





An In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Alhambra, Calif.,
on Aug. 30, 2018.
(Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)


BY TAMMY HUNG
October 27, 2021
Updated: October 29, 2021



An In-N-Out in Contra Costa County, California, has been shut down for
refusing to ask patrons for proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test
within three days of dining in.

After being told to close indefinitely on Tuesday, it was later reopened for
drive-through and takeout service only.

“The Pleasant Hill In-N-Out location received four citations in recent weeks
and fines totaling $1,750, all for the same health order violation,
before today’s action,” Contra Costa Environmental Health (CCEH)
said in a statement.

The location was served with a notice of violation on Oct. 5, and subsequently
fined $250 on Oct. 14 and $500 on Oct. 19, a spokesperson for Contra Costa County’s
health department told SFGate, adding that the In-N-Out faced
“repeated complaints from members of the public.”

Arnie Wensinger, chief legal & business officer for the In-N-Out chain, said
that the store “properly and clearly” posted signs that outlined the vaccination
requirements for indoor diners, but said that the store refused to act as
“the vaccination police for any government.”

“It is unreasonable, invasive, and unsafe to force our restaurant Associates to
segregate Customers into those who may be served and those who may not,
whether based on the documentation they carry, or any other reason,”
added Wensinger.

As of Sept. 22, restaurants, gyms, and some indoor businesses operating in
Contra Costa County were required to check vaccine records and the photo ID
of customers dining indoors.

“This order is necessary now to save lives, protect our overburdened healthcare
system, and slow the pandemic enough to keep our schools open,”
said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer, in a statement.
“Reducing community transmission of the virus now is key to preventing future
spikes in cases from overwhelming our county’s hospitals during the winter months.”

The mandate will also require staff in indoor areas of these businesses to
show proof of full vaccination or test weekly for COVID-19 starting Nov. 1.

A San Francisco branch of In-N-Out faced temporary closure on Oct. 14 also
for refusing to ask customers to show proof of vaccination.


The branch has since reopened but for takeout only.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Contra Costa County’s
health department for additional comment.


Correction:
The Pleasant Hill location has since been
reopened for drive-through and takeout service.