The Ontario government is warning businesses and organizations that its proof of vaccination policy for customers entering their facilities take affect on September 22.

South Etobicoke business owners say they are not looking forward to screening their customers for a proof of vaccination policy or in turning others away from their businesses.

Business owners said they’ve suffered long enough from COVID-19 and cannot afford to turn away business from a customer who may not return.

The province of Ontario has released regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements that take effect on  September 22.

The requirements focus on higher-risk indoor public settings where patrons must provide proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Customer have to show their proof of vaccination to attend: restaurant, bars, excluding outdoor patios, nightclubs, meeting and even spaces, sports and recreational fitness activities as gyms, casinos, bingo halls, concert venues, theatres and cinemas.

Also affected are strip clubs, bathhouses, sex clubs and racing venues, as horse racing facilities, according to the province.

The City of Toronto will be working with businesses to educate them on the Province of Ontario’s proof of vaccine requirements under the Reopening Ontario Act. Staff from Toronto Public Health and Municipal Licensing and Standards will continue to conduct inspections to ensure businesses are following the requirements under the Act.

Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s or registered (extended class) nurses’ note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of an Ontario digital vaccine certificate.

The Ontario government is developing an enhanced electronic vaccine certificate with a unique QR code and a verification app for businesses, which will be available by October 22.