NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — City Winery is now requiring all visitors provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test before entering.
Amid a surge of COVID-19 cases in New York City, driven by the omicron variant, City Winery will become the first venue to require both safety measures. Mask wearing will also be strictly enforced.
“This is the safest measure we can do to balance the challenging protections against the Omicron surge in NYC, and the fragile economic ecosystem that the live music industry must navigate,” City Winery Founder and CEO Michael Dorf said in a statement. “There will be no exceptions, you must be fully vaccinated and show negative test to enter.”
According to the venue, PCR tests taken within the last 24 hours, or rapid tests taken six hours before entry will be acceptable.
The venue will have limited rapid tests available on site, but restaurant goers who require a test will be subject to a $40 food and beverage minimum, City Winery said.
“We’re doing everything we can to try and keep live entertainment going in a safe manner for our staff, for the public and for the performing artists who are touring and need the income really badly – this seemed like the only way to go,” Dorf told 1010 WINS.
All COVID-19 tests can be uploaded to the NYC COVID SAFE APP, however, a smartphone screenshot or documentation from a healthcare provider will also be acceptable.
Dorf said that the vaccine and testing system will be temporary, and the measure was taken to ensure that venue does not have to return to limited capacity or close.
Upcoming shows at the venue include Los Lobos, Aimee Mann and a New Year’s Eve performance by Yo La Tengo.
The changes were announced the same day that New York recorded almost 22,500 new COVID cases. At least 12,404 were recorded in New York City alone.
To combat the increase, both Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio have continued to encourage mask usage, vaccinations, boosters and other precautionary measures.
While the state does not require negative COVID-19 tests to enter businesses, Gov. Hochul did announce last week that New Yorkers must wear masks at all indoor establishments that do not already require proof of vaccination.
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