The BC Vaccine Card lets people provide proof of vaccination to access some events, services, and businesses. Here's what it means for businesses.
By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), from September 13th, 2021, some businesses need proof of vaccination to access some events, services and businesses. Read the order.
- Starting September 13th, 2021 one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be required
- Starting October 24th, 2021 full vaccination is required
- The requirement is in place until at least January 31st, 2022
Read more about the BC Vaccine Card
What Does this Requirement Cover?
The requirement applies to all people 12 years of age and older and covers:
- Indoor ticketed sporting events
- Indoor concerts, theatre, dance, and symphony events
- Licensed restaurants and restaurants that offer table service (indoor and patio dining)
- Pubs, bars, and lounges (indoor and patio dining)
- Nightclubs, casinos, and movie theatres
- Gyms, exercise facilities/studios, pools, and recreation facilities
- Businesses offering indoor group exercise
- Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22 years old or older
- Indoor organized events with 50 or more people, e.g., wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences, and workshops
- Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery, art, and choir
- Post-secondary on-campus student housing
How to Verify Vaccination Status
Employers must review the BC Vaccine Card as well as a piece of photo ID that matches the name on the vaccine card. Youth aged 12 to 18 are not required to show photo ID.
- From September 13th to 26th, patrons may use the paper vaccination record that they were provided when they received their vaccination
- From September 27th, the BC Vaccine Card will be the only acceptable form of proof of vaccination
- The BC Vaccine Card can be reviewed either visually or using a QR reader like a smartphone or tablet
- A visual verification entails reviewing the BC Vaccine Card and ensuring both the name and vaccination details are visible
- A mobile QR code reader app is available for businesses that choose to scan the QR code. Download an app.
Do Businesses Have to Verify Vaccination Status?
Businesses and organizations that do not comply with the PHO order may be issued a violation ticket. Enforcement is at the discretion of enforcement officers, including police, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gambling investigators and conservation officers.
Do Employees Need to Verify their Vaccination Status?
The BC Vaccine Card is only required for patrons, not for workers, when entering a business premises. Businesses may choose to adopt their own vaccination policies for their employees, and are responsible for verifying vaccination status in that instance.
WorkSafe BC states that businesses should not request to see an employee’s proof of vaccination as part of the BC Vaccine Card program unless the employee is attending as a customer.
Important WorkSafe BC & BC Government Resources
- Visit COVID-19 BC Vaccine Card on the WorkSafe BC website for full information for employers and workers.
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Visit Proof of vaccination information for businesses on the BC government website for information about verifying vaccination status
- Visit Proof of vaccination and the BC Vaccine Card on the BC government website for information about the BC Vaccine Card
