Penticton brewery changes course, will require proof of vaccine

A Penticton entrepreneur who openly defied B.C.'s vaccine passport system has made a shift in policy and will now play by the rules.

Lee Agur, owner of Bad Tattoo Brewery in Penticton, initially decided that his restaurant would not abide by the public health order. In an email to local media outlets on Aug. 26, he stated that he had no intention of enforcing the new rules, which came into effect on Sept. 13. The new Kelowna location has made no public announcements on the subject. 

“By enforcing something like the vaccine passport my business is at risk of breaking the law and we could get sued. I have customers that are threatening legal action if I discriminate against them or violate their privacy by requiring personal medical information," his statement read.

After a brief change to attempt to exploit a potential loophole by providing only takeout and counter service, Agur abruptly made another change and Bad Tattoo said it would abide vaccine passport rules as of today, Sept. 25.

“I sincerely apologize to everyone,” Agur posted to the brewery’s Facebook page Sept. 24. “I was trying to be inclusive and make a safe space for everyone to be able to enjoy as that is what the hospitality industry is about, so we went to counter service only like the fast-food establishments, cafes, food courts and cafeterias that many people currently feel safe in and are not requiring vaccine passports. We are all concerned, vaccinated or not. Many are losing compassion, empathy, understanding and patience, our country is very divided, and these are other tragedies that are trending the wrong way. Again, I am sincerely sorry to all.”

Agur also said in the post he would be stepping down from management “for a while.”

READ MORE: Penticton's Bad Tattoo craft brewery setting up a second shop in Kelowna

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