Kamloops business owners say new vaccine cards keep their doors open

KAMLOOPS — The grace period for vaccine cards is now over in British Columbia. Now only the official card will be accepted by businesses — and Kamloops business owners say it could be their saving grace.

“It’s letting us keep the doors open and we are all for having the staff working and being able to pay rent,” Robert Wiggins, owner of the Central Station Pub.

Passek’s Classic’s owner Harry Passek agrees.

“The mandate was put forth and I will follow whatever mandate so that I can continue to stay open and keep my staff as well as all of our customers nice and safe,” said Harry Passek.

But with a new mandate comes mixed feelings from the public.

“Some Facebook posts that people have basically let us know that people will no longer return to our restaurant as long as we make them show that card,” shared Passek.

Wiggins says he has had similar experiences.

“We’ve had people who have come in and not either wanted to show or had the proper documentation and, you know, have been argumentative,” explained Wiggins.

For the most part, both business owners say most customers have been compliant.

“You have to get vaccinated or you’re not coming in. Period. I don’t want to get sick,” said one patron at the Central Station Pub.

“It’s one of the things we have to do right now, because of the COVID, and I am fully in agreement for it,” said another man.

At Passek’s Classics, a group of Quebec tourists were happy to pull out their phones and have their cards scanned.

They say the vaccine card has made it possible for them to travel in Canada comfortably.

“I think it’s the only way to get rid of the pandemia, is to make sure we are all vaccinated and we are all protected well,” said one of the tourists.

As of Sept. 23, 86 per cent of Kamloops and area residents have one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine — 77 per cent have a second shot and 23 per cent are unvaccinated.

Although vaccination numbers are rising, business owners worry about their staff getting harassed.

“If we have anyone who doesn’t like the policy, we just ask them to please, treat us with decency and respect,” said Passek.

And if staff feel unsafe, owners have an action plan.

“If there is some sort of threat, then we would take the appropriate action and contact authorities,” said Wiggins.

Hate it or love it, it’s time to toss out the wallet card. if you want to visit Kamloops restaurants and recreational spaces, be ready to scan your digital vaccine verification at the door.

Note: An earlier version of this story mixed up the totals for first and second doses. We have now corrected those totals. Learn more about Kamloops vaccine numbers here.