On September 14, 2021, the Government of Ontario released regulations and guidance to support businesses and organizations in implementing proof of vaccination requirements, which take effect on September 22, 2021.
As of September 22, patrons entering certain settings will have to provide the required proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, along with valid identification.
This requirement primarily focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings, as well as certain outdoor settings, including:
- Indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments without dance facilities
- Indoor and outdoor areas of food or drink establishments with dance facilities, including nightclubs and restaurants, clubs and other similar establishments
- Indoor areas of meeting and event spaces
- Indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal physical fitness training with limited exemptions
- Includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, pools, leagues, sporting events, waterparks, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events
- Indoor areas of casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments (such as charitable gaming halls)
- Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres, and cinemas
- Indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs and strip clubs
- Indoor areas of horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues
- Indoor areas where commercial film and TV productions take place with studio audiences
Note: The guidance document outlines a full list of exemptions from the proof of vaccination policy. As inspectors, AGCO Compliance Officials and Race Officials who are entering a business or organization for work purposes are exempt from providing proof of identification and proof of vaccination against COVID-19 requirements.
Please consult the guidance document provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health for more information on this requirement’s application and exemptions, as well as further details on vaccination certification, proving identity, penalties for non-compliance, and specific requirements for weddings and funerals.
For ease of reference, the AGCO has updated its COVID-19 webpage to highlight the relevant requirements affecting businesses and organizations in its regulated sectors.
Please note that all other rules under Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen continue to apply. Licensees and operators must continue to follow all restrictions enacted by the province, their local Medical Officer of Health or their municipality, and meet all other existing legislative and regulatory requirements. For detailed information on the measures planned for each step of the ROA, please consult the government’s Roadmap to Reopen website.
Additional information
Several documents have been prepared by the Government of Ontario to provide additional information:
- Using your Vaccination Receipt: Frequently Asked Questions
- Questions and Answers document from the Ministry of Health to help clarify proof of vaccination requirements
- News Release: Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy
- Ontario Regulation 364/20: Rules for areas at step 3 and at the roadmap exit under Reopening Ontario Act
- COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance (2021-22)
- COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario website for more information on COVID-19 vaccinations and how to book an appointment