August 21, 2021 | Newsletter
NYC Office of Nightlife

Dear NYC Nightlife Community,

This week, NYC launched a mandate to keep our city safe and open. Key to NYC is a first-in-the-nation approach that will be phased in over the next few weeks.

As of August 17, people 12 and older are 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 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. Enforcement will begin September 13. 

In addition, yesterday, the Mayor issued Emergency Executive Order No. 226, revising the previous Key to NYC requirements concerning proof of vaccination. Emergency Executive Order No. 226 includes changes in the exemption for nonresident performers and nonresident individuals accompanying them and the definitions of “contractor,” “covered entities,” “indoor entertainment and recreational settings,” and “indoor food services” among other things. 

To learn more about the Key to NYC program, see below and make sure to read these guidance documents closely, they have the answers to many of your questions. For more details visit http://on.nyc.gov/keytoNYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key to NYC Frequently Asked Questions download link
The City has published a seven-page document with frequently asked questions about the Key to NYC Program, available for download here (pdf).
Equitable Implementation Guide
Guidance for Businesses on the Equitable Implementation of Key to NYC download link
Under the Key to NYC Program, people 12 and older will be required to show proof that 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, and indoor entertainment.

The NYC Commission on Human Rights has published guidance on the Equitable Implementation of Key to NYC (pdf) to help inform business of their responsibilities in implementing this new rule.

This guidance addresses how to handle medical and religious exceptions and other special accommodations.

Note that this requirement may not be used as an excuse for businesses to discriminate against anyone who has valid vaccination proof. Everyone has a right to be free from discrimination or harassment. You can learn more about your responsibilities as a business owner under the NYCHRL and sign up for a free workshop at NYC.gov/HumanRights.
Vaccine Required Poster for Businesses
To prepare for the Key to NYC 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.
  • 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).

Identify 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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