Massachusetts

Brookline theater finds success with vaccine mandate

BROOKLINE — You need a ticket and your vaccine card to enjoy the movies at the Coolidge Corner Theater.

The independent, non-profit cinema on Harvard St. has enforced its own vaccine mandate for customers and employees since early September.

“We believe that this is the best way to keep our customers safe and to make sure our staff is safe,” General Manager Jamie Webb said.

Webb said the theater has received few complaints from moviegoers. Most are grateful for the added protection, he said.

“Working in customer service for so long, you’re used to dealing with difficult customers. So to hear people say thanks for these things, it’s really rewarding,” Webb said.

Boston businesses are still coming to terms with Mayor Michelle Wu’s new citywide vaccine mandate requiring patrons to show proof of vaccination at indoor dining, fitness and entertainment establishments. The vaccination requirement goes into effect Jan. 15. People age 12 and older must show proof of at least one dose of the vaccine. Webb said proper messaging will be key.

“Make sure they’re aware of [the mandate] before they leave the house, before they make a purchase. Be clear as to why [the vaccine mandate] is the case.”

But messaging may not help Boston restaurants and bars that depend on walk-ins and spontaneous foot traffic.

“This is another reason for people to stay home,” Boston restaurateur Chris Coombs said. “When 30 percent of people are no longer allowed to support small business unless they’re vaccinated, it shrinks the economy.”

Mayor Wu said the mandate’s goal is to incentivize more people to get the vaccine. According to city data through Dec. 14, 68 percent of Boston’s population is fully vaccinated and only 31 percent is boosted.

Mayor Wu hosted an Instagram Live discussion with Boston Public Commission Executive Director Dr. Bisola Ojikutu Monday afternoon.

“Given the majority of our population is vaccinated, we are still overwhelming our hospital system and health care system because some folks are still not vaccinated,” Mayor Wu said.

“Our number of new people who are becoming vaccinated really just isn’t moving. We’re not ticking upwards like we would hope to,” Ojikutu said.

“You have to figure out what we can do to incentivize vaccination at this point.”

Arlington, Brookline, Cambridge, Salem and Somerville are also working to advance their own vaccine requirements, Wu’s office said.