As the delta variant continues to fuel a rise in COVID-19 cases in Sonoma County and throughout the state, a growing list of local restaurants and bars are now asking for vaccination cards for entry.
Fernbar at Sebastopol’s Barlow center will be among the first to enact new rules, according to General Manager Sam Levy. All indoor service, both dining room and bar, requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 48 hours.
It was a concern for bartenders who interact closely with customers that first caused him to consider the mandate. Levy said he felt a groundswell of support for his decision when San Francisco bar owners overwhelmingly agreed to require vaccine status before entry.
“There’s just no escape for them, and I have a responsibility for the team and the overall safety of them and their families. I take that very seriously,” he said.
For now, six North Bay restaurants have announced that they are requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining. If your business is now asking for vaccination cards, please send us an email so that we can add it to this list.
For information about scheduling a coronavirus vaccination, click here or contact your health care provider or local pharmacy. The COVID-19 vaccine is free to all. No insurance is required. Find information about how to get a digital vaccination card here (available for free).
Local businesses that require proof of vaccination
Sonoma County
Fern Bar, Sebastopol: All indoor service, both dining room and bar, requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 48 hours. The restaurant will change its reservation system, and check vaccination cards and QR codes (available for free at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov).
Timberline, Guerneville: Will require proof of vaccination before entry ahead of this week’s Lazy Bear Week, an annual event that brings many visitors to the river town. The restaurant will be asking for proof of vaccination to obtain a reservation or entrance to the restaurant. “The health of our employees and that of our patrons are of our highest concern,” said the restaurant in a Facebook post.
R3 Hotel, Guerneville: Will require proof of vaccination for all patrons and employees before entering the property. Guests will be checked in at the front gate or front office and given a wristband before entering. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution and the desire to keep patrons and employees safe, according to a post on the hotel’s Facebook page.
Napa County
La Toque, Napa: Currently requiring proof of vaccination for the safety of the restaurant’s team and guests, according to website.
Marin County
Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio: Will only be admitting fully vaccinated patrons, according to website. This includes the entire restaurant — indoors and outdoors — as well as music events. Patrons should be prepared to show proof of vaccination.
Terrapin Crossroads, San Rafael: Requires that guest show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter the venue, according to website. Effective for events in both the Beach Park and Grate Room. Guest should be prepared to show vaccination card along with ID. Final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to the event in order to be admitted.
Find more San Francisco Bay Area venues that require proof of vaccination here.
If your business is now asking for vaccination cards, please send us an email so that we can add it to this list.