Vaccination certification required in Ontario starting September 22, 2021

Today, the government’s vaccine certification regulation takes effect. The following are examples of higher-risk indoor public settings where a photo ID and proof of vaccination are needed prior to entry:

• Movie theatres and cinemas;
• Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
• Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
• Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
• Facilities used for sport and fitness activities, including personal fitness such as gyms, or recreational facilities (with the exception of youth recreational sports);
• Casinos, bingo halls, racing venues, and gaming establishments;
• Sporting events, concerts, music festivals, and;
• Strip clubs, bathhouses, and sex clubs.

The penalties for non compliance ranges from fines of $750 to $1,000 (and higher depending on the offence) for both the facility (e.g. not asking for proof of vaccination) and for the individual (e.g. falsifies a document).

Ontarians can download their PDF proof of vaccination certificate here. The vaccine certificate needs to be presented by customers with a valid government-issued ID. Ontario’s app for businesses is still in development – the estimated completion date is October 22, 2021. Paper vaccination receipts will be eligible until that date.