Illinois House Republicans raising concerns over new vaccine mandate in Chicago

Posted on January 4, 2022
vaccine
House GOP members say the new mandate will stifle tourism. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By IIS and Blake Haas

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House Republicans are raising concerns about the new vaccine mandate in Chicago and Cook County.

Proof of vaccination is now required to enter certain establishments like bars, restaurants, and gyms in the city and surrounding county. However, Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palantine) says business owners are not happy with the new mandate.

“One restaurant owner told me that there already dealing with staff shortages. He said, “We train our staff to serve food and beverages and to make our customers feel comfortable. It’s not appropriate of them to make health inquires of their customers. Why are they being forced to be the county’s vaccine police?”

Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) said having to show proof of vaccination at places like bars and restaurants is an invasion of privacy and a further burden on struggling business owners.

“What this proof of COVID vaccination requirement does is it forces people to divulge private, personal medical information and show a photo ID to a host at Denny’s or a front desk clerk at the LA Fitness, who very well maybe just simply a teenager.”

House GOP members say the new mandate will stifle tourism.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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