For many a diner, Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group is home to their restaurant of choice — including the likes of Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe. And very soon, you’ll need to show proof that you’re vaccinated if you want to eat there. In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Meyer declared the new policy, which applies to staff and diners alike.
Calling it “a company policy rather than a mandate,” Meyer was very clear. “If you really want to go unvaccinated, you can dine somewhere else, and you can also go work somewhere else,” he said.
The policy is slated to go into effect on September 7, with guests required to provide proof that they’re vaccinated. This can be their physical vaccine card or New York State’s Excelsior Pass, among other options. As Eater noted in its report on the new policy, Meyer’s maneuver brings his restaurant group in line what a number of the city’s other restaurants have requested — and makes it one step closer to becoming an industry standard.
How that will fully play out in New York City remains to be seen. According to Eater, the city’s mayor is currently reviewing the latest CDC data as it applies to indoor masking and people who are already vaccinated. Much like the coronavirus itself, the industry response to the pandemic continues to evolve.
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