There were initial murmurs that proof of vaccination would become a likelihood in the Philly restaurant industry in May when the owner of Hop Sing Laundromat, who goes by Lê, said that when his bar reopens he will be requiring proof of vaccination for guests to drink there. Now, as of August 11, all businesses must either require guests to wear masks indoors or provide proof of vaccination to enter. Cheryl Bettigole attributed this recommendation to the increase in delta variant cases and a “small but disturbing” increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations among children in Philadelphia, as children under 12 years old are not yet eligible for the vaccine. At the time, Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Martha, Irwin’s, and Musi BYOB’s decisions come only two weeks after Philly public health officials said that they strongly recommended that everyone - unvaccinated and vaccinated - begin wearing masks indoors again. With the COVID-19 delta variant continuing to spread, and only 62 percent of Philadelphians fully vaccinated, more bars and restaurants are sure to follow. A representative for Musi BYOB in Pennsport confirmed that it would be requiring its guests to be vaccinated, too.
Shortly thereafter, Irwin’s - Michael Vincent Ferreri’s Sicilian restaurant on the roof of Bok building - did the same, requiring all guests and employees to be fully vaccinated before coming in.
Roh also said a community vigil is taking place tonight this evening at Kahn Park in Philadelphia in Pope’s memory and to show support for his loved ones.On Saturday, July 31, Kensington’s favorite hoagie and pickled veg destination Martha announced on Instagram that it would be requiring guests to provide proof of vaccination in order to enter the bar. Our office supports passage of state legislation extending discrimination protections to queer Pennsylvanians,” she said. “The District Attorney’s Office continues to work with our partners in law enforcement and government toward safety and justice for all Philadelphians, including members of targeted and vulnerable communities. Roh said the D.A.’s Office encourages members of the public who wish to share information with authorities that could lead to additional criminal investigations to contact the Philadelphia Hate Crimes Hotline at (215) 686-8913. “The DAO is additionally aware of reports of troubling interactions involving private security workers at Gayborhood establishments.” “A DAO Victim/Witness coordinator and member of the DAO LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee established contact with family members of the (Pope) last week and has been offering supportive services,” Roh said. That has some concerned that these are not just assaults but also hate crimes against LGBTQ+ patrons. On its website, Tabu refers to itself as “the best Gay sports bar in Philly.” According to 6ABC, other bars in the area in recent weeks have had similar issues with employees of that same private security company.