Editor’s note: The headline of this story has been updated to reflect that there may be other Boulder County businesses that require patrons to show proof of vaccination, but have not publicized their policies.
As the bright summer days and warm summer nights begin to fade, Cafe Aion is planning for the future, when its outdoor patio can no longer be used and guests will need move indoors.
In the next few weeks, the restaurant plans to implement a protocol asking guests who want to dine inside to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
“We are in store for a change from the summer bliss,” said Dakota Soifer, owner and chef of the Boulder restaurant. “This is a chance for us to take a small step to be proactive rather than reactive. Hopefully that will help tip the scale from a total shutdown and total loss of business and more loss of life.”
In recent weeks, new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, fueled by the delta variant, have been on the rise. In Boulder County, cases have steadily been increasing.
Data from June 20 showed 16 delta variant cases in Boulder County, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health. As of Friday, there were 105 delta variant cases. The state’s data lags about one week, according to past reporting.
John Tayer, president and CEO of the Boulder Chamber, said Cafe Aion is the first Boulder business he has heard of to develop a policy like this.
“We’re all warily watching the reports of increased infection rates and can only continue to urge the public to get vaccinated which is, as we understand, is the best way to knock down this disease and help us all maintain our economic viability,” he said.
Soifer said all of his employees have been vaccinated. He does not require them to wear masks while working.
Over the next two weeks, Soifer said he will be working with staff to determine how the vaccine requirement will work and if he will allow unvaccinated guests to dine inside if they unmask only to eat or drink.
“I hope that the city steps in with some guidance as well, because I would prefer to take myself off the frontline of figuring it out, but I don’t feel totally confident that those calls get made in the timeliest of fashion,” he said.
This new rule will not just be implemented to keep himself or his staff safe, Soifer said. It’s for everyone, and he hopes more businesses look into it as well.
“I realize that on our own it’s not going to do that much, but I am hoping if we show we are willing to take this first step, maybe we can share what we have learned,” he said. “
Kevin Daly, co-owner of Mountain Sun Pubs & Breweries, said he fully supports Cafe Aion’s decision.
“I think we should be doing everything we can to stop this virus,” he said. “I think that what they are doing is brilliant, and I wish we had the balls to do it.”
Daly said he requires all unvaccinated workers to wear masks and has not implemented a vaccine mandate for staff but may look into it.
“I am saddened that we are probably going to go backward because of people’s stupidity,” he said. “I would like to do anything we can to keep our staff and our customers safe.”
