As COVID-19 cases climb again, more Seattle bars, restaurants are requiring proof of vaccination

Seattle bars and restaurants and taking this resurgence of COVID-19 cases and the more-contagious Delta variant seriously, with a growing amount now requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for indoor dining. 

Popular nightlife spots Queer Bar, The Cuff Complex and the Woods announced Tuesday that all three venues would require proof of vaccination for entry starting on July 30.

"We understand that the only way nightlife can return to normal is through higher rates of vaccinations among our residents, not just in Seattle, but across the country. 1,969,300 people 21 years of age and older have been vaccinated to date in King County — we are doing the work well Seattle — let’s cross the finish line," wrote the owners in an Instagram post.

The Doctor's Office, a cocktail bar that opened in 2020 just before the statewide shutdown, also announced this week that it will require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test within 48 hours for indoor service starting Aug. 1. In an Instagram post, the owner said that anyone giving staff a hard time about this new policy will be barred for life.

Other popular bars and restaurants, including Capitol Hill's CC Attle’s, Hillman City's Archipelago and Ballard's Addo have issued similar guidance. On Thursday, Linda's Tavern also followed suit and announced that proof of vaccination would be required for entry.

Additionally, expect to see more people masking up in restaurants. While King County has not issued another mask mandate, the county's top public health official recommended that residents should wear masks again in indoor public spaces.

"Universal masking in indoor, public spaces provides a more reliable way to ensure everyone is safer for now as we monitor the current increasing disease trends," King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said Friday.

Despite what some high-profile Republican lawmakers and quarterbacks have said, asking for proof of vaccination does not violate Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protections, and it is legal to ask if someone has been vaccinated. Providing vaccination status remains a personal choice.

"HIPAA does not prevent anyone from asking anything," Alan Meisel, a University of Pittsburgh professor, told the Associated Press. "What it does is prohibit certain health care entities from revealing certain health information about patients."