Vaccination certification required in Ontario starting September 22, 2021
September 22, 2021Today, 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.
For more information, please contact:
Sebastian Prins
Director, Government Relations (Ontario)
sprins@retailcouncil.org
416 467-3759