Another In-N-Out Burger in northern California gets shut down for failing to check customers for proof of COVID vaccinations

Northern California officials have shut down a second In-N-Out Burger location for failing to check customers for proof of COVID-19 vaccinations or negative coronavirus test results, the Los Angeles Times reported.

What are the details?

The first In-N-Out shutdown occurred earlier this month at a restaurant in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf for the same reason. The Times said that location has since reopened for outdoor dining only.

But on Tuesday, Contra Costa Health Services said the the In-N-Out at 570 Contra Costa Blvd. in Pleasant Hill was shut down after repeatedly violating county rules, the Times reported.

More from the paper:

Officials in Contra Costa County, located east of San Francisco and Oakland, said they gave the In-N-Out in Pleasant Hill ample opportunities to comply, but it created a public health hazard by "repeatedly violating" the county order. That order, in effect since Sept. 22, requires restaurants and some other indoor establishments to verify that all customers 12 or older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have had a negative coronavirus test within the previous 72 hours.

Officials said the Pleasant Hill In-N-Out garnered four citations over several weeks and had to pay fines totaling $1,750 for violating the order, the Times said, adding that the restaurant can appeal the permit suspension but must stay closed "until the hazard is abated."

The paper said two other area In-N-Outs — in Pinole and San Ramon — have received notices of violating the vaccination order, the paper said.

San Francisco Bay Area public health officials have enacted some of the strictest COVID-19 rules in California, the Times added.

What did In-N-Out have to say?

"It is unreasonable, invasive and unsafe to force our restaurant associates to segregate customers into those who may be served and those who may not, whether based on the documentation they carry or any other reason," Arnie Wensinger, In-N-Out's chief legal and business officer, said in response to the Pleasant Hill shutdown, according to the paper. "This is clear governmental overreach and is intrusive, improper, and offensive."

IN-AND-OUT Dispute: Pleasant Hill In-N-Out Burger Shut Down for Repeatedly Defying COVID Health Ordeyoutu.be