August 16, 2021 | Newsletter
NYC Office of Nightlife

Dear NYC Nightlife Community,

This week, NYC launches a lifesaving mandate to keep our city safe. Workers and customers will have to provide proof of vaccination in order to participate in indoor dining, indoor entertainment, and indoor fitness facilities. This mandate begins August 17 with enforcement starting September 13.

Key to NYC is a first-in-the-nation approach that will be phased in over the next few weeks.

Key to NYC Business Checklist (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Executive Order for Key to NYC (PDF)

For more details about the Key to NYC program, see below or visit http://on.nyc.gov/keytoNYC
Vaccination Proof for Indoor Activities 
Starting August 17, people 12 and older will be required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO for:

  • Indoor dining
  • Indoor fitness
  • Indoor entertainment

This new requirement — called the Key to NYC — includes bars, restaurants, nightclubs, performance venues, gyms, movie and stage theatres, museums and other indoor venues. Staff at these locations are also required to be vaccinated.
Proof of Vaccination may include:


• NYC COVID Safe App



NYS Excelsior Pass App



(or photo)




• An official immunization record from outside NYC or the U.S


For people who received the vaccine outside the U.S., they must have an official immunization record that includes:

• First name and last name
• Date of birth
• Vaccine product name (only vaccines authorized by the WHO are acceptable)
• Date(s) administered
• Site where the vaccine was administered, or name of the person who administered it
Information for Businesses
If your business is covered by this requirement, you will be required to check the vaccination status of all staff and customers 12 and older. You may not permit entry to anyone 12 and older who has not received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. You can make an exception for allowing customers to use the bathroom or for another reason that will take a small amount of time (e.g. less than 10 minutes).

This policy is in effect as of August 17, and enforcement will begin on September 13. Businesses that do not comply with this policy will be subject to fines.

To prepare for this policy:
  • Place the Vaccination Required Poster for Businesses (PDF) in a place that is clearly visible to people before they enter your business.
  • Become familiar with the accepted proofs of vaccination listed above.
  • Develop a written implementation plan that will be available for inspection. This should include how you will check the vaccination status of staff and customers before they enter — or immediately after they enter — your business.
  • Help your staff get vaccinated! Consider hanging posters about the COVID-19 vaccines in break rooms and provide information about where to get vaccinated.

If you are a small business and have questions about this policy, call NYC Department of Small Business Services hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).

Discrimination Complaints
Indoor dining, fitness and entertainment venues must accept valid proof that you received at least one dose of any vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO. This requirement may not be used as an excuse for businesses to discriminate against anyone who has valid vaccination proof. You have a right to be free from discrimination or harassment. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of who you are, including your race, national origin or disability, contact the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
Report a Fake Record
If you suspect someone is trying to use a fake proof of vaccination, you can:
Additional Resources for Businesses

The highly contagious delta variant is spreading quickly in NYC, and unvaccinated people are at the most risk for infection, hospitalization and death. To maximize protection from the delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, the Mayor and the NYC Health Department strongly recommend all people over age two to wear masks or face coverings indoors in public places in New York City, even if fully vaccinated. Learn how you can get vaccinated for free today.
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Email: nightlife@media.nyc.gov
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