The public reaction to vaccine passports in Strathmore has been easy for some restaurant-goers and controversial for others.

Mike Scott from Mike’s Bar and Grill says most people have generally freely shown their vaccination status at the door.

“People are very voluntary. we haven't really had to ask very many people at all. They have the paper, or they have their phone already ready to show us, so it hasn't really been a big, big issue.”

“We have had some social media comments, some people are pretty negative about it, but in-person we haven't seen a lot of negativity,” he said.

Scott says they haven’t experienced confrontations at the door about vaccination status.

“We haven't experienced that yet and I hope it doesn't happen, but we have definitely seen from fairly vocal online presence with people, but we have not seen it in store yet, and I hope it continues that way,” he said.

When it comes to the regulations put in place by the province he says they follow all of the social distancing rules the government put in place, including sanitizing and masks.

“You’ve got to have all the all your ducks in a row,” he said.

Scott says, “We're open and ready to serve people as best we can.”

It’s generally been a positive reaction from the public says Rose Chavente from the Strathmore Station Pub and Restaurant.

When asked if it has affected the way they are doing business she said, “Oh yes, definitely.” She explained the routine is to check for proof of vaccination and let people in, “But some of them they have a guest with them that they're not vaccinated and they want to be in the restaurant, but we can't let them in so they get upset. Some people they understand as well. We're just following the government. It's not the restaurant itself.”

She said some people become upset if they have to show their proof of vaccination but others are understanding as well.

She said business has slowed down because of the changes.

“The business has really been greatly affected,” said Chavente.

The province’s Restrictions Exemption Program allows businesses to be exempt from capacity and operating restrictions, according to the Government of Alberta. Those that don’t participate in the program must follow all current public health measures in effect.

As of September 20, restaurants that don’t implement the Restrictions Exemption Program may have outdoor dining only with a maximum of six individuals per table (one household or two close contacts for those living alone), and Liquor sales and consumption restrictions (10 p.m. sales and 11 p.m. consumption) apply.

With the program, individuals must show proof of immunization, a negative COVID-19 test completed within 72 hour, or proof of medical exemption in order to access a number of businesses.

More about the Restrictions Exemption Program can be found here