In-N-Out isn't just "on the outs" in San Francisco.
The popular fast food establishment – which was forced to shutter indoor dining at the chain's only San Francisco location over not checking patrons' proof of COVID-19 vaccination – has been fined for "repeated" violations of the same nature at its Pleasant Hill restaurant.
Contra Costa County's Environmental Health Division received "repeated complaints from the community" over the issue, Spokesperson Karl Fischer told KCBS Radio on Wednesday. Inspectors followed up three times on the complaints, resulting in a warning notice, two notices and fines totaling $750. According to the county's health order, any further violations at that particular restaurant within a year of the first would cost the chain $1,000 each.
In-N-Out's other Contra Costa County locations in San Ramon, Pinole and Brentwood haven't been subject to notices for violations, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Contra Costa County currently requires some businesses, including restaurants, to obtain proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result from every customer 12 or older served in an indoor area.
Executives at In-N-Out haven't hid their contempt for such orders.
The chain's chief legal and business officer said In-N-Out "fiercely" disagrees "with any government dictate that forces a private company to discriminate against customers who choose to patronize their business," in a statement to KCBS Radio on Tuesday. "This is clear governmental overreach and is intrusive, improper, and offensive."
Besides San Francisco and Contra Costa County, the Bay Area's other proof-of-vaccination mandate for indoor dining is in the City of Berkeley.
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