Despite easing health measures some restaurants still requiring proof of vaccination

Even though the provincial proof of vaccine mandate was among health measures lifted on March 1, a few restaurants are still requiring customers show their vaccine passport in order to dine in. The Apricot Tree in Mississauga is one of them and the reaction is mixed.

“As we got closer to March 1st, our reservations started to slow down and there was hardly anything coming in anymore and then on Tuesday morning we decided we’re going to keep the vaccine passport,” says owner Franz Hochholdinger. “Ever since then, reservations are coming in again and the restaurant has been really busy throughout the week.”

Customers at the Mississauga eatery say maintaining the proof of vaccine is the reason why they returned.

“I actually had a sense of relief knowing that they require it,” one diner tells CityNews. “I’ve worked as a nurse for many years. I’ve seen the devastating effects of COVID and I felt a sense of reassurance they are still advocating for the QR code.”

Others weren’t expecting it.

“We came here today thinking that we don’t need to show the QR code, so we’re kind of stumped that we have to pull it out,” said another. “But for me, personally, I’m used to it. I’m used to showing it.”

Restaurants Canada says only a handful of restaurants are following this approach.

“It’s a tough decision when on one hand you want people to be safe and feel safe, and on the other hand it’s complex and difficult to do and raises the possibility of having conflict in your restaurant,” says James Rilett, Restaurants Canada Vice President, Central Canada.

“It doesn’t work for some businesses but the bottom line is it works for us,” Hochholdinger acknowledges.

The restaurant says their main priority is to keep everyone safe, having invested thousands of dollars towards improving air ventilation and HEPA filters. They are back to full staffing levels and staff members have the option to wear N95 masks.

Still there are some people who aren’t happy with the measures.

“There’s still social media out there. Right now they’re still posting bad reviews. I think the overwhelming support from our customers really outweighs that,” says Hochholdinger, adding he’ll re-evaluate the need to continue the vaccine passport on a week-by-week basis.

After CityNews aired this story on March 5, the restaurant decided to change its policy and create a “Vaccine Tuesday and Thursday” for fully vaccinated diners who don’t feel comfortable going to restaurants otherwise. The restaurant is open to everyone, regardless of vaccination status, the other days of the week.