Maui requiring vaccines for indoor dining, bars

Maui is set to begin requiring indoor diners at the island’s restaurants and bars to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. 

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino and other government officials announced the change in policy on Tuesday, noting that the restrictions will remain in place for 30 days, according to USA Today.

Under the new rules, people will have to provide proof of their vaccination beginning on Sept. 15. Unvaccinated people will only be allowed to order to-go or dine outdoors, with the exception of children 12 or younger who are not eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The island will also implement a 10 p.m. curfew for restaurants and bars and reduce capacity limits for multiple venues to 50 percent from 75 percent in an effort to increase the ability for people to social distance, the news outlet noted.

“If the [COVID-19 case] numbers don’t come down over the next 30 days, we may have to implement stricter rules and stricter mandates,” Victorino said, according to USA Today.

Last week, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued new measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including that customers show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test in order to enter establishments.

Victorino noted on Tuesday that Maui would not give people the option to provide a negative COVID-19 test, arguing that most people do not make plans to go out based on the test. He added that tourist numbers in Maui have also plummeted since the announcement.

“Our numbers have dropped off drastically,” Victorino said. “They’re not coming.”