Local music venue requiring proof of vaccination for patrons, performers, staff

Those looking forward to once again enjoying live shows at Amigos Cantina will have to have both their COVID-19 shots first.

“In an effort ot keep our staff, patrons and artists safe, we’ve decided to ask for proof of vaccination,” said Jim Clarke, owner and manager of the Saskatoon music venue.

Amigos shared their new COVID-19 protocol to social media Tuesday.

“All fans, staff and artists must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two weeks after the second dose) and provide proof of vaccination (to attend live shows),” one of the Tweets in the thread reads.

Jim Clarke, owner and manager of the venue, said the measures are in place for public safety.

All fans, staff and artists must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two weeks after the second dose) and provide proof of vaccination.

— Amigos Cantina (@AmigosSK) August 17, 2021

“We’re not happy that we have to do this, it’s not really what we wanted to do, but we just felt it was necessary,” said Clarke. “(We) just want people — when they come for a live show — to feel comfortable, have a good time. The artists are happy to be there, they’re feeling that they’re safe, that their health is being respected and, of course, keep our staff as safe as possible.”

According to Amigos’ posts, the venue will accept a printed copy or screencap of your immunization record or the card given to vaccine recipients when they got their shot. The individual’s name must be clearly visible when presenting either of those options and matching, valid ID must be presented.

The post also states that masks are not required, but “certainly welcome.”

Clarke said the new protocol will only apply to live shows, not people looking to dine at Amigos.

“We feel that we’re sort of on top of (dining),” Clarke explained. “When it comes to a live show with more people, a little bit closer contact, we just don’t know if we can do that.”

The response directed towards the venue so far has been “overwhelmingly positive,” Clarke reported. That included a retweet by NDP leader Ryan Meili who commended the establishment.

“Great news and great leadership from @AmigosSK,” Meili wrote. “Looking forward to live music in #yxe!”

Great news and great leadership from @AmigosSK.

Looking forward to live music in #yxe! https://t.co/9gX5gM8wgY

— Ryan Meili (@ryanmeili) August 17, 2021

A show by the band Propogandhi is upcoming at the establishment. It’s sold out, but with the new rules, Clarke said some tickets might come available.

For anybody who has purchased tickets for live events at Amigos Cantina but is not vaccinated and cannot attend, a refund can be requested 48 hours prior to the show.

“We see this as a way the future’s going, at least, hopefully only temporarily, but that’s the way it’s going. Some of the artists are requiring it and patrons and just the general public seems to be pushing for this,” Clarke said.

“In light of the problems with the Rider bus and what’s happening with some sort of crowded situations … we just want to try our best not to be a source of spread.”