Nashville Venues Enforce New COVID Requirements Amidst Growing Case Numbers

Following the rapid spike in COVID-19 cases across the United States and beyond over the last couple of weeks, the CDC has recently revised their guidelines for vaccinated individuals. Included in this new guidance is the return of mask-wearing under certain conditions and restricting international travel.

However, with the rampant Delta variant currently circulating in the United States, some states and businesses are bringing back the conversation of vaccination and/or testing requirements for their staff and patrons, such as New York City which will require vaccines for entry into certain establishments beginning in the next few weeks. Since the CDC’s announcement, companies like Walmart, Disney, Apple and Google, among others, have enforced a similar requirement, while President Joe Biden also announced new vaccination rules for federal employees.

As Tennessee continues to see COVID-19 case counts rise each day, some of Music City’s businesses and venues have announced that they will be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter their establishments. Among those who have made the leap are City Winery, which has multiple locations across the northeast, and The 5 Spot in East Nashville.

“At this stage in the pandemic, with the Delta variant on the rise, the remarkable roll-out of vaccines, and the overwhelming numbers of our customers now fully inoculated against COVID-19, we can create an environment that is as safe as possible moving forward. Our recent July survey indicated that more than 75% of our patrons are already vaccinated,” says City Winery’s Founder Michael Dorf in a letter to its patrons. “Given this, our decision to move forward with creating an environment where we request that all patrons are vaccinated, and wear masks when moving indoors, will allow even more psychological comfort that our facility is as safe a place to be as possible. Of course, we respect that if a person does not want to get vaccinated for any reason, be it religious, health or other, they can get tested showing a negative result within 72 hours to gain admission. All guests are welcome on our outdoor patios, however masks will be required when entering the building.”

The 5 Spot took to social media to share their new rules saying, “After due consideration we’ve decided to require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry into our venue beginning Saturday, Aug 7. In times such as these we must behave as reasonably and responsibly as possible.” The post continues, “Before you come party with us, please make sure you have your vaccination card (or a photo of it) at the ready. We will be verifying vaccination status before admission to The 5 Spot is granted.”

To our 5 Spot family and friends,
After due consideration we’ve decided to require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry into our venue beginning Saturday Aug 7th. In times such as these we must behave as reasonably and responsibly as possible. 1/2

— The 5 Spot (@five_spot) August 4, 2021

These decisions, coupled with artists like Garth Brooks announcing he will be reassessing the state of COVID before continuing his nationwide stadium tour, begs the question of what will happen to the just-reopened touring industry as we move into the changing of seasons and cases continue to rise.

For more information on the CDC guidelines and the Delta variant, click here.