Arcadia Brewing Co. is the third Edmonton hospitality business to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter. Fleisch started requiring proof from guests seeking to dine indoors back in August, and bar EvoWonderLounge mandated proof of vaccination last week.
Arcadia announced that as of Sept. 20, it will start requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours prior to entering. "This decision was not made easily and we ask you to please be kind to our staff and please respect our decision," Arcadia said in a tweet.
Since sharing the policy, Arcadia has received some negative feedback online but noted that the majority of feedback has been positive.
"Generally, the support has been incredible from people either coming in or messaging me," co-owner Darren McGeown told CTV News. "The past few days people have come in – especially front line workers – have reached out and showed their appreciation, which means a lot to me."
Arcadia Brewing will require proof of vaccination starting Sept. 20. (Arcadia Brewing/Instagram)
Venues Metro Cinema, The Starlite Room, and the Winspear Centre also announced similar proof of vaccine requirements.
The Alberta Hospitality Association is currently surveying its members before releasing a stance on vaccine passports.