Food industry icon Danny Meyer just announced that he will be requiring proof of vaccination AND proof of booster at all of his restaurants for both staff and customers. He had required proof of vaccination for both staff and patrons even before NYC made it official, back in July.
Meyer shared the news in an interview with CNBC on December 22, and though the USHG website doesn’t appear to have been updated yet.
Staff will be required to receive their booster shot within 30 days of their eligibility, starting today, December 29.
"Beginning immediately we are going to be requiring that 100% of our staff members have a booster within 30 days of their eligibility," says @dhmeyer on new booster policy for employees and guests at @USHGNYC. pic.twitter.com/QtK0kHAmfN
— Squawk Box (@SquawkCNBC) December 22, 2021
Guests will be required to show proof of receiving their booster shot beginning January 24 in order to dine indoors, showing their physical COVID-19 vaccine card, New York State Excelsior Pass, or a photo of their vaccination card upon arrival.
“At this point, the science has changed,” Meyer told CNBC. “What has been a little bit tougher has been watching this crushing wave of omicron sweeping through New York City and certainly through the country.”
“Hospitality is a team sport — it’s kind of like putting on a play on Broadway or playing a basketball game,” he continued. “If you can’t field a full healthy team, you’re going to have to hit pause. … We’ll see how that goes.”
Restaurants include the iconic Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Manhatta, Maialino, Daily Provisions, and more. See the entire list here.
Danny Meyer also famously founded Shake Shack, which is now a public company. Of that he said, “Shake Shack will make whatever appropriate decision at the appropriate time.”