In-N-Out vs California
In-n-out pit stop.
In-n-out in Saugus had lines that not only wrapped around the parking lot but went onto Boquet Canyon Road on October 28th in support of the company’s stand on the Covid vaccine.
Over the past two years, COVID-19 regulations have taken over all businesses including restaurants. The restaurant industry has been greatly affected because COVID protocols include strict rules and regulations to be able to stay open.
Ever since the rise of the vaccine, the requirement to show proof of vaccination to go into public places has raised concern. Many owners of businesses disagree with state officials who are requiring proof of vaccination before entering any restaurant or fast food chain. One of the biggest fast food chains, In-N-Out Burger, just had one of their restaurants in Contra Costa County close down due to the county’s vaccination mandate.
The county was requiring that In-N-Out ask customers to show proof of vaccination to be able to dine in the restaurant. According to the business officer and legal chief of In-N- Out, Arnie Wensinger, “Rather than acting as enforcement agents, our Associates were allowing our customers to be responsible for their own compliance with the divisive local regulations.”
Many sources have reported that In-N-Out received many warnings before their permanent shut down took place. Following the first shutdown, many others trickled after, due to the violation of the guidelines, while some even received fines.
Whether it is right for the government to require individuals to show proof of a medical document or not, this issue is part of a super controversial debate that has been going on recently.
Wensinger even expressed how they “refuse to become the vaccination police for any government. It is unreasonable, invasive, and unsafe to force our restaurant Associates to segregate customers into those who may be served and those who may not, whether based on the documentation they carry, or any other reason.”
Patrons who are happy that In-N-Out is taking a stand against the vaccine mandates rallied together to show support for the food chain. The three locations in Santa Clarita boasted long lines and people wearing patriotic gear.
Is In-N-Out in the wrong or right? Should people have to show proof of their vaccination status to enter a restaurant? COVID-19 has made so many new obstacles and questions for so many people and businesses. Will things ever come to peace?
