Most Survey Respondents Want Seattle to Require Vaccine Proof at Restaurants

As summer draws to a close, the state of Seattle’s gastronomy is still in flux. Even though the capacity restrictions were lifted at the end of June, the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta variant – combined with slowing vaccination rates – has led to an increase in COVID cases and hospital stays. A nationwide mask mandate again applies to all Washington residents, regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated or not. And more than 140 restaurants and bars in the Seattle area have gone a step further, requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter.

In light of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, we recently released a poll asking readers to weigh their opinions on current dining out. While the COVID outbreaks in King County have not been as severe as in other areas of the country, most people seem to be playing it safe.

Out of more than a thousand responses, 54 percent of respondents said they eat out less than they did earlier this summer, compared to about 36 percent who said they eat out the same and only 10 percent who go out more. Meanwhile, 67 percent said they are looking for restaurants and bars that require proof of vaccination to enter, while a whopping 87.9 percent said Seattle should go all-in and introduce such a requirement for all indoor public spaces. It comes as no surprise, then, that 89 percent of respondents agreed with the latest statewide mask mandate, and 87 percent said they felt safer eating outdoors.

Below the results graphs, you can find some more thoughts from survey participants about their current attitudes towards dining out. Thanks to all who participated!

We are vaccinated but only eat outside. Covid cases exploded when eating was allowed indoors at full capacity and masking requirements were lifted. Mask requirements for indoor dining don’t really work; Guests take off their masks as soon as they sit down and hold them off.

It seems that Covid is something we have to live and deal with. There are no guarantees; Adults are responsible for assessing their own risks. Making small business owners responsible for vaccination certificates, etc. is too much to ask. All guidelines should be used as a clear and concise guideline for everyone; at least in the short term.

We don’t eat anywhere at the moment – there is only takeaway. While I’m not sure if Seattle should make restaurants and bars mandatory vaccination, I would definitely feel safer eating or drinking at a mandatory vaccination store this fall or winter. I don’t really expect anything to change my mind until the Delta variant is less of a concern, although a booster shot might make eating around the house more comfortable for me.

We will generally only eat indoors when a restaurant is not occupied. We mostly feel comfortable outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms (e.g. large windows). We wouldn’t eat in a crowded, unventilated room. Our take-away orders are increasing again.

It’s not worth eating out at the moment. The food quality has decreased along with the service quality (because the number of employees has decreased). I think we will all have to accept higher prices in restaurants in the future, and that’s fine. Until the shakeout is over, it just feels like it’s not worth going out there.

I think compulsory vaccination is the biggest step we can take and it would make eating indoors significantly safer. I think that with a vaccination mandate, as soon as the current rise in COVID has subsided, we could get away from the mask mandate again.

There is a fair balance between the limitations of service and the freedoms a restaurant needs to operate above break-even point. If he is forced to shut down, everyone loses.

We will currently only provide bars and restaurants with the “vaccination certificate”. To me, it shows their care and concern for both employees and customers. Everyone has their comfort and that’s where I am. I am really looking forward to the future.

I hope they keep the al fresco dining situations on the streets that some neighborhoods have turned into. It can limit parking, but it makes me more likely to eat out.

Unless everyone, and I mean everyone, takes this seriously – that is, gets vaccinated and wears a mask in all public settings – we will be in this escalating disaster well into next year. There are no excuses and we all owe it to the common good to get this over with. We can do it. The question is, does collective will exist?

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