Newsom Responds To In-N-Out’s Refusal To Monitor Customer Vaccination Status

Democratic Governor of California Gavin Newsom recently commented on the burger chain In-N-Out’s refusal to comply with local government mandates.

Newsom appeared to stand by the chain due to its California roots when he was asked about the conflict during a visit to Oakland, California, to tout the COVID booster dose.

He said he wouldn’t “get caught up in the situational issues,” but noted the chain is “one of our great, home-based businesses,” and he has “great respect, admiration” for them.

He referenced a few years ago when the company “doubled down on their commitment” to California, so he said he wanted to “double down” on his commitment to the chain, while acknowledging the existence of differences of opinion “as it relates to some of these county edicts,” noting “we have to work through them.”

He added, “…there’s been thousands of examples like this, some get highlighted, some don’t. In this instance, there’s an East Bay chain that there’s a little bit more friction and frustration, [in] San Francisco, there was a week or so ago.”

“Other parts of the state, [that’s] not the case,” Newsom added. “But I encourage everybody to take seriously local health orders and I encourage everybody to support businesses that support this state. I appreciate that they’re a headquartered California-based company.”

As The Daily Wire reported, In-N-Out made headlines last week as one of its restaurants in San Francisco, California, was recently temporarily closed for not enforcing the city’s vaccine mandate that requires patrons to provide evidence that they have been immunized against COVID-19. 

The location was reportedly opened again, but indoor dining was not available.

As reported by Fox News:

The San Francisco Department of Public Health closed the Fisherman’s Wharf In-N-Out location on Oct. 14 after the popular burger joint did not check the vaccination status of customers, which violates an August mandate from the city requiring indoor diners to show proof of vaccination.

In-N-Out, which operates 358 locations across the western United States, is owned by devout Christian Lynsi Snyder and is well known for including Bible verses at the bottom of soda and milkshake cups.

As reported by KRON-4, “In-N-Out said it properly posted signs of local vaccination requirements but refuses to strictly enforce them.”

“Our store properly and clearly posted signage to communicate local vaccination requirements,” In-N-Out Burger’s Chief Legal and Business Officer, Arnie Wensinger said in a statement to Fox News at the time. “After closing our restaurant, local regulators informed us that our restaurant Associates must