
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The owner of two Chicago bars says he’ll continue to follow the city and the science, in response to the new vaccination requirements for many indoor venues.
Matthew Baldino, owner of Commonwealth Tavern in Roscoe Village and Guthrie’s Tavern in Lakeview, backs the Lightfoot Administration’s move to require proof of vaccination for bars, restaurants, gyms and other settings.
“This is about the safety and well-being of our customers, our neighbors, our staff, first and foremost. So, we fully support this initiative,” he said Tuesday.
Baldino said he’s never politicized the pandemic and he won’t start now.
“The day I start making health decisions based on what’s best for my bottom-line versus what’s best for the safety and well-being of my customers, neighbors and employees? I’ll shut the business down myself.”
Baldino said there’s bound to be pushback from fellow owners and even customers. But he said the smart and safe thing to do is simply follow the rules.