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A new health directive from the Los Angeles City Council will soon mean that patrons must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination at nightclubs, indoor bars, wineries, breweries and similar spaces in the area.

The new rule will come into place from 4th November, and was passed by officials on a vote of 11-2. According to Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer, this initiative will initially require patrons and workers to have had at least one vaccination dose by 7th October, and then to be fully vaccinated at the start of the following month.

As of 7th October, attendees and staff at outdoor “mega-events” with more than 10,000 people will also be required to provide proof of vaccination or demonstrate that they have recently tested negative for coronavirus. For indoor events with a capacity of at least 1,000 people, this rule is also in place.

Businesses who do not respect the new ruling will face fines, while the measure will cease to exist once Los Angeles lifts its state of emergency.

Patrons and staff can submit a written exemption stating that they are unable to receive the vaccination due to religious or medical reasons, but they must provide a negative test to enter indoor events still, according to the new legislation.

Los Angeles’ move towards requiring full vaccination follows on from an order, put in place in August, which stated that clubs in New York should also ask for proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to allow people inside.