CHICAGO (CBS) – The estimated concert hall Metro announced on Tuesday that it would require all customers to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter.
Proof of vaccination – with the last dose given at least 14 days before the event – will be required along with photo ID to enter the subway at 3730 N. Clark St. just north of Wrigley Field.
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A current negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted as a substitute.
Acting in the best interest of our most vulnerable communities, we ask all clients to present proof of vaccination (with the last dose administered 14 days prior to arrival) and photo ID issued by the government to attend all events at Metro.
– Metro (@MetroChicago) August 3, 2021
Note that a current negative COVID test will NOT suffice for entry. To find out how to get vaccinated, go to https://t.co/w5oO1y0w9K.
Additionally, with current CDC guidelines, we recommend that all clients be masked while enjoying the events.
– Metro (@MetroChicago) August 3, 2021
The metro has also indicated that everyone will need a mask during their events.
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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 that you work with us to keep everyone safe,” the Metro tweeted. “Together, we can make music play in our walls. “
As CBS 2 political investigator Dana Kozlov reported, site owners have said these steps are necessary given the stakes.
“At one point we were literally threatened with extinction, so I think we’re going to do everything we can to make sure it’s a safe environment,” said Chris Bauman, member of the Chicago Independent Venue League Council.
Site owners have said they will carefully review vaccination cards.
“When someone comes to the vaccination records; when someone comes with any kind of documentation, they’ll be ready to check and make sure it’s valid, ”Bauman said. “You know. They know how to find, for example, fake IDs. It’s something they’re trained for. So I don’t think we’re going to have a problem executing that.”
Bauman also has two independent concert halls. He said others will also demand vaccination cards, or at the very least a negative COVID test.
But all are eager to resume the live music inside.
Owner Joe Shanahan opened the Metro – formerly known as Cabaret Metro – in 1982. REM gave the first concert on-site, and he is known to have launched the careers of Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, Veruca Salt and d other leading artists.
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The metro was closed for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and at one point it had to fight a rumor on social media that it had shut down permanently.
