Questions remain for Sask. businesses as province plans to scrap proof of vaccine requirements

While members of the medical community have spoken out against Scott Moe's plan to scrap vaccine requirements by the end of February, some voices in Saskatchewan's business community are more optimistic about the news, even though some questions remain.

The proof of vaccination or negative test mandate started in the province in October 2021, requiring non-essential establishments including bars, concert venues or movie theatres to check patrons for their COVID-19 vaccination status.

An end of the policy would be welcome news for the hospitality industry, according to Jim Bence, the president and CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan.

"Ever since the policy has been put into place, it's been extremely difficult," Bence said.

"That would be one of the measures that can be lifted that would certainly, I think, encourage people to get back out and spend money. That's what we need right now."

It has been a difficult time overall for the industry, whether it's Omicron, the severe cold, or the proof of vaccination requirement, according to Bence.

"We are so very short staffed," he said. "This would allow us to have another hand on deck."

In Saskatoon, the co-owner of the Rook and Raven and the Yard and Flagon says the end of the mandate has not really been a topic among staff or customers.

Arno Oldach said the teams at the two pubs never experienced any issues with people who were not vaccinated trying to come in.

Working with the regulation "has become so second nature," he said.

"I haven't heard anybody say it's going to be a relief. I haven't heard anybody say that they're worried about having unvaccinated people coming in."

Oldach spoke with CBC in 2021 when provincial vaccine requirement program began. He said then that business had slightly slowed since the rules came into effect.

On Tuesday, Oldach said he doesn't know if dropping the policy soon will be a good or bad thing.

"I'm not a specialist, I'm just a bar owner," he said. "I think everybody is just so worn out."