The vaccine passport system was no longer required in Saskatchewan as of Monday as the province continued removing its COVID-19 health measures.
Even though the system is no longer in place, it doesn’t mean businesses aren’t thinking of unique ways to make all customers comfortable as provincial measures are lifted.
The Bushwakker Brewpub is at least one Regina business that has found a way to ensure immunocompromised patrons can continue to dine in while still dropping its vaccine requirement for anyone who wants to access any other part of the restaurant and pub.
“Some of our customers were telling us that with the easing of restrictions, they weren’t feeling entirely comfortable with all of that,” said Grant Frew, bar manager of the Bushwakker. “And they said, ‘You know, we’re just going to stay at home for a while and just sort of watch things closely and see how things develop.’
“We want our customers to feel safe and comfortable. So our general manager had suggested that we use this room and offer it to people that are immunocompromised, or they may have family members with health concerns, or if they were just generally uneasy with this change.”
The room in question is called the Arizona Room.
No more Proof of Vaccination required for restaurant dining as of February 14th. However, we have received many customer…
Posted by Bushwakker Brewing Company on Tuesday, February 15, 2022
It features a high ceiling, lots of natural lighting and enough seats for around 50 people. It feels like any other part of the restaurant except for the fact that it’s separated from the pub area by a glass door.
Patrons interested in using the room would have to provide their vaccine information as well as their ID — the same process that was used to eat at restaurants prior to Monday’s rule change.
“We feel very fortunate that we have this private room available and we can use it in this way,” Frew said. “I’m very surprised with how much this has resonated with people.”
Frew says he has already had people come in inquiring about using the space, adding it has made them feel much better about their general well-being while still being able to support a local restaurant and pub.
“They’re very appreciative that we’re offering this service,” he said. “The important thing to remember is that this is only a temporary measure.
“We can’t wait until the pandemic is behind us, and we can just get back to business as normal.”