First mask mandates, now proof of vaccination.

Soon, every King County restaurant and bar will have to see proof of your vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before you can get inside. It's a requirement some owners and servers said they are dreading.

Health leaders said the idea is to keep all of us safer as we battle the emerging delta variant but it's yet another requirement restaurant and tavern owners are worried about.

California Avenue is buzzing with traffic but inside the Great American Diner and Bar in West Seattle there are empty chairs and empty tables.

"We are in quicksand we can't get out we have to stay where we are and try to keep afloat," said Glen Quadron, the diner's co-owner who says he and his business partner have put too much into their business to walk away. "We have to stick it out."

A few tables at lunch and some take out is the new norm, Quadron said.

"I wake up at 3 am with chills wondering it's paycheck time or rent time," Quadron said. "What do I do if there is not enough money coming in?"

He said their business has been shaken to the core by COVID - then the mask mandate and now he's worried what the newest mandate requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test at every King County restaurant and bar will do to do business.

"I dread that day," he said.

The new requirement starts next month in King County. He and other restaurants owners we spoke to worry customers may opt to dine out at neighboring counties instead and that's not the only concern.

"The sad part is it puts servers and myself in an awkward position," Quadron said.

Servers will essentially become vaccine card bouncers. The county insists it's a necessary layer of protection to make public spaces safer for everyone, aims to slow the virus's spread and relieves pressure on the healthcare system.

"We have to technically offend people sometimes when we do those things."

He fears the same issues they've had with mask requirements, customers vowing to never come back, some get defiant even hostile and others who protest by leaving no tip. He said in lieu of a tip customers would like a disgruntled note on the tab.

We found a table of four friends dining at Quadron's place and when I asked how they felt about having to show proof, they all pulled out their vaccinations cards. The foursome opted to get it laminated and carry it with them until we get through the worst of the pandemic.

But owners know it's not always that easy. Outdoor dining is an option for restaurants and taverns who have it available, there you don't need to show proof of vaccine or a negative test.

In Burien - manager Jose Palma at the huckleberry square - is hoping their all day breakfast will be enough to keep customers.

"I'm a little bit worried," Palma said.

They've already cut wages, raised prices and added heated outdoor dining tents -

"The bigger impact is them not returning back cause we try to force them to do something they don't want to do," Palma said.

Starting Oct. 25 is when proof of vaccine or a negative test will be required.

The state tracks COVID-19 complaints for all businesses statewide.

Since the mask mandate took effect Aug. 23 the Department of Labor and Industry reports there have been more than 5,5000 COVID related complaints against businesses across the state.

In King County alone, there have been complaints against 202 restaurants and bars - of that about 55 are bars.