Alberta restaurants stressed as customers bite back about proof-of-vaccination requirements
CBC
Alberta restaurants that have been struggling through the pandemic are now facing a new challenge: backlash over the province's proof-of-vaccination program.
Officially called the Restrictions Exemption Program, which went into effect on Monday, it gives restaurant owners an option to require proof of vaccination from customers, which would then allow them to continue operating their indoor dining areas.
Dining establishments that don't opt-in must abide by the Alberta government health restrictions, including no indoor dining, and limitations around who can sit together at outdoor tables.
But some restaurant owners who have opted into the program say they're experiencing unhappy customers and extra work to implement it.
"People are very mad at us," said Zee Zaidi, who owns the Remedy Cafes in Edmonton. "Very harsh messages."
Zaidi said the proof of vaccination requirement is causing people to complain on social media or express their anger directly to staff.
"People are walking out. They don't want to share the information," he said.