Florida Concert Promotion Requires Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Regular Price Tickets in Defiance of Florida Law
A concert promotion published on Leadfoot Promotions has stated it is requiring patrons to bring a “PHYSICAL COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card” if they want to be admitted for $18.
The promotion states that if patrons do not present physical proof of COVID-19 vaccination, they must pay $999.99 to attend. The concert takes place late June in Saint Petersburg.
If patrons purchase a ticket for $18 and show up without proof of vaccination, the venue will require a payment of the $981.99 difference. It reads, “We are NOT telling you what to do here, we are making a business decision and letting the market decide.”
The venue’s vaccination-proof policy could run contrary to new Florida law. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 2006 earlier this month. In addition to granting the governor more power to overrule COVID restrictions that may violate personal liberty, it prohibits businesses or government entities from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations. The law takes effect July 1st.
The concert’s promotion comes as the CDC has issued new guidelines, stating that vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors.
The United States is seeing a new phenomenon of vaccine-based segregation. Last Friday, the New York Yankees hosted their first game with a section for vaccinated individuals and a section for unvaccinated. The vaccinated section did not have restrictions. The NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers are also opening a vaccinated section for their playoff games, where social distancing will not be in place.
Florida is one of several states to ban the issuing of vaccine passports. Other states who have banned them include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas.
When the new Florida law takes full effect July 1st, DeSantis has stated he will overrule all current COVID restrictions on any level and prevent any further ones.
