Calgary businesses eligible for vax pass program must opt in, city bylaw says
Posted Sep 22, 2021 3:28 pm.
Last Updated Sep 23, 2021 10:00 am.
CALGARY — Calgary will be implementing a local vaccine passport bylaw, forcing all businesses eligible for the provincial program to opt in and require proof of vaccination.
The bylaw passed three readings in council by a vote of 13 to one Wednesday, with Ward 11 Councillor Jeromy Farkas the only one who opposed.
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Administration recommended the bylaw because businesses have been requesting clarity and looking for a way to avoid becoming targeted by people who don’t like the rule.
READ MORE: Alberta bar closes after ‘overwhelming’ number of threats after opting into vax pass
Under the provincial program announced last week, many businesses like restaurants and bars can take part in the restrictions exemptions program which allows them to operate largely like normal as long as they only admit people who are vaccinated, have received a negative COVID-19 test recently, or have a valid medical exemption.
But since participation in the program is voluntary, there have been various concerns about people lashing out at businesses or some businesses not complying with the order.
Having a bylaw in place also allows Calgary peace officers to enforce it, and it comes with fines of $500 for people and businesses that do not follow along.
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The bylaw also means that people attending recreation centres and some other city facilities will have to provide proof of vaccination.
Several councillors added this bylaw was necessary because the provincial government failed to take decisive action and instead put a system in place that is needlessly confusing.
The bylaw comes into effect Friday.
