Concert Venue Metro Requiring Proof Of COVID-19 Vaccination For All Events
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The esteemed concert venue the Metro announced Tuesday that it will require all patrons to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry.
The proof of vaccination – with the last dose administered at least 14 days before the event – will be required along with a photo ID to enter the Metro, at 3730 N. Clark St. just north of Wrigley Field.
A current negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted as a substitute.
The Metro also advised that everyone will need a mask at its events.
The venue noted that the policy may change based on city and state guidelines.
"We value our fans more than words can tell, and we greatly appreciate you working with us to ensure the safety of all," the Metro tweeted. "Together, we can keep the music playing within our walls."
As CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reported, venue owners said these measures are necessary given the stakes.
"At one point, we were literally facing extinction, so I do believe that we're going to be doing whatever we can to make sure that it's a safe environment," said Chris Bauman, a member of the Chicago Independent Venue League board.
Venue owners said they will be looking at the vaccination cards carefully.
"When someone comes to the vaccination cards; when someone comes with any sort of documentation, they're going to be prepared to cross-check and make sure that they're valid," Bauman said. "You know. they understand how to find, for instance, fake ID's. That's something that they are trained to do. So I don't think we're going to have a problem executing that."
Bauman also owns two independent music venues. He said others are going to require vaccination cards too, or a negative COVID test at the very least.
But all are looking forward to live music inside starting back up again.
Owner Joe Shanahan opened the Metro – formerly known as Cabaret Metro – in 1982. REM played the first concert at the venue, and it is known for launching the careers of Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, Veruca Salt, and other A-list acts.
The Metro was closed for well over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and at one point had to fight off a social media rumor that it had closed permanently.
