LYNN, Mass. — Two weeks ago, Rachel Miller started requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination from anyone dining inside her restaurant Nightshade Noodle Bar in Lynn.
“It’s definitely tense and weird and felt a little bit like I might be setting my business on fire, but it’s proven to be the opposite,” said Miller, chef and owner of Nightshade Noodle Bar.
Miller says with the delta variant quickly spreading, she wanted an extra layer of safety inside her restaurant for both her staff and diners.
“Safety is the biggest concern and just trying to do our part in the community to slow the spread, set a good example,” said Miller.
Her restaurant is one of the first in the area to implement this vaccine policy, and overall, a lot of people tell her they feel more comfortable eating at her restaurant now.
“Like we’ve had some cancer patients and other immunocompromised folks that they’re willing to come here because they feel safer and that’s just a really nice feeling,” said Miller.
But there has been some backlash.
Her new policy drew hundreds of comments and messages on Facebook, some of them questioning whether she has the right to do this.
“A lot of what has been surprising to me online is people shouting about this being illegal or discrimination, and I just find it interesting that anyone would think that any business owner would call such a strange, strangely loud viral shot without you know, legal backing,” said Miller.
Miller says she has every right to require proof of vaccination at her private business and plans to overlook some of the negative feedback.
“For the most part, those folks aren’t my clientele, and they weren’t going to come here anyway,” said Miller.
If you don’t show proof of vaccination, Miller says you can still dine outdoors or get takeout from her restaurant.
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