The Chickenburger Requiring Staff, Dine-In Customers To Be Full Vaccinated
HALIFAX – The province of Nova Scotia plans to implement a proof-of-vaccination policy as early as October 4 for anyone who wants to partake in “discretionary” activities, such as dining in at a restaurant or attending public events.
But some Halifax businesses have taken it upon themselves to implement health measures ahead of time.
The Chickenburger, which celebrated 80 years in Bedford last year, now requires all staff and dine-in customers to be double-vaccinated.
This new policy was introduced on September 17 and also affects customers and staff at the new Chicken Little Café on the Bedford Highway.
“The Chicken Burger and Chicken Little is a family restaurant, so we have a lot of elderly and children under the age of 12 (who can’t get vaccinated),” explains The Chickenburger’s operations manager Rose MacDonald. “So, we wanted to be a place where people felt they could bring their kids.”
“We’re watching what’s happening; all the different variants coming around. (Vaccine certification) was coming anyway, so this is a way to build awareness around it now and get people used to it.”
The Chickenburger is making accommodations for those who are not vaccinated. On nice days, people can still sit out on the patio or picnic tables. And, just like the old days, people can even order from their car in the parking lot if they wish.
“We have a beautiful patio outside that you are able to sit at if you aren’t (vaccinated)…but all parties, aside from those under the age of 12, have to be fully vaccinated, which means double-vaxxed,” says MacDonald.
Mandatory vaccination policies have been a polarizing issue in Canada, to say the least. Even though polls show most people support vaccine mandates, those who are in the minority have been very vocal with their opposition.
Kourosh Rad, owner of The Garden in Halifax, reported receiving a lot of online hate after he implemented a mandatory vaccine policy for employees.
RELATED: Halifax Restaurant Will Require Vaccination Proof From Staff
But MacDonald said, so far, most of the reaction The Chickenburger has received has been positive. She even noted that the previous weekend was quite busy for the restaurant.
“As you would see on social media, there are always some people who aren’t completely on board with it, which is totally understandable,” says MacDonald. “I can see their stance as well. But we’ve had a lot of good feedback for the most part.”
“You can’t keep everyone happy but we’re trying our best to keep our community safe.”
MacDonald claims that The Chickenburger’s employees were widely on board with the policy as well. She claims there wasn’t any internal pushback against it.
“All of our employees were on board, so no issue at all,” she said. “We all have the same thought process; we just want to keep everybody safe.”
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce recently conducted a survey that showed 82 percent of businesses in the city, and 82 percent of Haligonians support a proof-of-vaccine policy.
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