2 Austin Eateries Backtrack On Vaccine Proof After State Warning

Austin TX

12 August, 2021

4:36 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Two Austin restaurants were forced to backtrack on their policy requiring proof of at least one round of COVID-19 vaccination after receiving notice from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on Wednesday. Sister restaurants Launderette and Fresa's Austin said they would no longer be requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining effective immediately, according to a Facebook post posted on Thursday. "Yesterday, we received word from TABC that we are not allowed by law (Section 14 of the new Senate Bill 968 introduced in June) to ask for proof of vaccination when dining," Launderette officials said. "We will still require guests to wear a mask indoors when not seated at a table. Masks will not be required for outdoor dining." While the eatery was informed that they were in violation of Section 14 of SB 968, the state's real concern is with compliance under Section 9 (C). According to Section 9 (C): "A business in this state may not require a customer to provide any documentation certifying the customer's COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery on entry to, to gain access to, or to receive service from the business. A business that fails to comply with this subsection is not eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract payable with state funds." TABC posted Wednesday on its website that the state agency may require compliance with this law as a condition of holding a license, permit, certificate, or other authorization. TABC told Launderette in the letter that the agency had received complaints about the restaurant's new policy. Patch reached out to TABC for comment on Thursday and was told officials did reach out to both locations to advise them on the requirements put in state law by Senate Bill 968 earlier this year. In both cases, managers told the agency they weren't aware of the full requirements of the law and immediately took steps to comply. "While the agency has not taken formal action against any businesses to date, we have requested to meet with representatives of businesses where potential noncompliance could be taking place," TABC officials said. "TABC is committed to working with business owners to ensure they have the information necessary to comply with all state statutes, including the provisions put in place by Senate Bill 968. "Our goal is to educate and inform, rather than penalize, these businesses. TABC will continue to coordinate with business owners and trade groups across the state to ensure the alcoholic beverage industry is fully aware of the new requirements." On Monday, both Launderette and Fresa's took to Instagram and stated that they would require anyone dining indoors at their restaurants to provide proof of at least a first round of vaccinations against COVID-19. The posts shared on their pages stated that indoor diners would have to wear masks when not seated at a table, and added that outdoor diners did not need proof of vaccine nor did they have to wear masks. The policy came in the wake of several musicians, such as Jason Isbell, requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests as a prerequisite for attendance to their concerts in Austin. Several people responded to the news online, including Austin Mayor Steve Adler, stating the state of Texas has overstepped its authority on private businesses. "So now a private business can't protect its employees and customers? Will this affect live music venues that are trying to abide by bands' wishes? Will artists like @JasonIsbell just skip Texas altogether on their next tour?," Adler said in a tweet. "@GovAbbott, don't mess with Texas businesses." TABC officials said it can't speak to any requests by musicians, as the state agency only regulates businesses which manufacture, distribute or sell alcoholic beverages. RELATED COVERAGE: 282 New Cases, 1 COVID-19 Death In Williamson County IDEA Public Schools Will Enforce Austin's Mask Mandate Mask Mandate Issued In Austin-Travis County, Defying Gov's Ban