The Abbey in West Hollywood requires proof of COVID vaccination or negative test from patrons
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- The Abbey Food and Bar in West Hollywood is now requiring customers provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test within the last 48 hours to enter the establishment.
"To protect our staff, customers, community, and country, we are requiring either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test within the last 48 hours for entry," the Abbey announced on its Instagram page.
"Since the pandemic began, our staff has been repeatedly screamed at, spit on, slapped and punched by angry customers for enforcing safety protocols," the post's caption said. "If you have a problem with our policy, please just go somewhere else, like to the nearest vaccination site."
Eyewitness News saw several people Friday night be turned away at the door.
COVID pandemic: OC restaurant gets backlash for requiring proof customers are not vaccinated
The bar's owners said unvaccinated people have a stark choice: "Get vaccinated and have accountability for your actions or continue to fuel the spread of a deadly virus, putting lives and livelihoods at risk."
"I've been to several events and a theater where they've asked" for proof of COVID-19 vaccination, said Abbey patron Andrew Montealegre. "I like it. It gives me a level of comfort."
On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling infection surges.
Citing new information about the variant's ability to spread among vaccinated people, the CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks are required indoors at the Abbey, which is offering a $250 bonus to staff for getting the COVID-19 vaccine shot.
