Updated Guidance on the Vaccine Mandate for Businesses, Cultural and Entertainment Establishments

The "Key to NYC" program has gone into effect, which requires the following indoor entertainment, indoor dining and indoor fitness establishments to check vaccination records of staff and customers ages 12 and older:

Indoor Entertainment

• Movie theaters
• Live music
• Concert venues
• Museums & galleries
• Aquariums and zoos
• Professional sports arenas
• Stadiums
• Convention centers
• Exhibition halls
• Performing arts theaters
• Bowling alleys
• Arcades
• Pool and billiard halls
• Recreational game centers
• Casinos
• Adult entertainment

Indoor Dining

• Restaurants
• Catering halls
• Event spaces
• Hotel banquet rooms
• Bars
• Cabarets
• Nightclubs
• Cafeterias
• Grocery stores with indoor dining
• Bakeries
• Coffee shops
• Fast food / quick service with indoor dining

Indoor Fitness Establishments

• Gyms
• Fitness centers
• Fitness classes
• Pools
• Indoor studios
• Dance studios
• Sports classes

Proof of vaccination includes the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card (hard copy or clear photo copy), the NYC COVID Safe App, which can be used by tourists and others who were vaccinated outside New York (Android | iOS), the New York State Excelsior Pass, or an official immunization record from outside NYC or the United States. Establishments will be required to maintain written records so that inspectors can review how they are implementing and enforcing the mandate. Additionally, businesses must post this sign (or a similar sign following specific design requirements) in a visible place near the entrance(s) of the establishment.

On Monday, September 13, the City will begin assessing fines of $1,000 - $5,000 per offense to establishments that are failing to comply with this vaccination mandate.

Check out the following materials that may be of help: FAQ on the Key to NYC Program, a checklist for your business, and a Key to NYC Factsheet from the NYC Commission of Human Rights. For more information on the Key to NYC Program, click here.

Original Post: 8.17.21
Photo credit: NYC Department of Health