The city of Los Angeles could soon end its mandate requiring proof of vaccination to enter many indoor establishments and large outdoor events.
Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez has introduced a motion to do so as the county eases its COVID-19 masking and vaccine-verification rules.
The city ordinance, which went into effect Nov. 8, requires people over age 12 to show proof of vaccination before patronizing indoor restaurants, gyms, entertainment and recreational facilities, personal care establishments and some city buildings. The law also requires people to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 case to attend outdoor events with 5,000 or more people.
Martinez' motion essentially calls for rolling back the requirements, although individual businesses would be permitted to voluntarily require proof of vaccination from patrons. If the motion is passed by the full City Council, the city attorney will be instructed to prepare a new ordinance and bring it back to the council for a final vote.
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Los Angeles County this week dropped its requirement that people show proof of vaccination to patronize indoor portions of bars, nightclubs and lounges or outdoor mega-events. But people attending indoor mega-events of 1,000 or more people -- such as sporting events -- are still required to show proof of COVID vaccination or a recent negative test to be admitted. Vaccine verification or a negative test is also still required for workers at health care facilities and congregate-care facilities.
The city's law is enforced by the Department of Building and Safety, which can issue administrative citations to businesses that violate the ordinance. The citations include a $1,000 fine for a second violation, $2,000 fine for a third violation and a $5,000 fine for a fourth and subsequent violations.
