Fleisch announced on Aug. 6 that it will be expanding into the former Cartago space to offer "elevated pub food, craft beer and cocktails" at The Bar at Fleisch and that indoor dining will return after closing for nearly ten months – but only to those who can prove that they've received both COVID-19 vaccine doses.
"We will be requiring proof of FULL vaccination (both shots) to dine indoors. This is non-negotiable and is part of our commitment to keep both our staff and the greater community safe. We understand that this may be controversial for some, but making this choice was easy for us. Community > everything, and we will continue to do our part in prioritizing your health," Fleisch shared on Instagram.
Fleisch will not require proof of vaccination to dine on the patio and will continue to offer take-out and delivery.
Earlier this summer, Fleisch had posted that the timeline for re-opening indoor dining would be tied to the date at which staff acquired full immunity. Co-owner Katy Ingraham has also been a strong advocate for better ventilation and safety measures for hospitality staff throughout the pandemic. Ingraham declined to be interviewed for this story.
An opening date for The Bar at Fleisch has not yet been announced.
The Bar at Fleisch will take over the old Cartago space. (Fleisch/Instagram)
Although most of the social media response has been positive, there have been some notable detractors, such as comments from Marnie Ashcroft, the founder of Glow Juicery.
Legal precedent in Canada has not yet been established, particularly as the idea of vaccine passports for COVID-19 is new. But legal experts indicate that accommodations may need to be made in certain circumstances.
"There is nothing legally preventing businesses from requiring proof of vaccine," Lorain Hardcastle, an associate professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary, told 660 News. "But the human rights code basically demands that people be accommodated if they have a health reason (for why) they can't be vaccinated."