Huntington Beach Restaurant Ignores COVID Precautions, Hosts Only Unvaccinated Diners

A restaurant has caused lots of commotion in recent months because of the stance of Covid and vaccinations. The establishment that ignored various health protocols only allowed unvaccinated peopled to have dinner inside.

This month a Huntington Beach restaurant made waves because of their dinner policy that caters exclusively to unvaccinated guests. When other restaurants chose to stop indoor dining in 2020, this establishment continued to host people.

Basilico’s Pasta e Vino now requires proof that persons are unvaccinated before they are allowed in. Signs taped to the windows make their message clear.

ZERO TOLERANCE

The restaurant proclaims that they "have zero tolerance for treasonous, anti-American stupidity.” While an employee at Basilico’s explained that they don't actually check vaccination status, their signs clearly show their views.

Many officials have been fighting to increase vaccination in the country, but this restaurant has taken a firm stand. The owner of Basilico’s, Tony Roman, shared his sentiments about certain government policies.

PROOF OF VACCINATION

With new variants emerging and cases increasing once again, some Southern Californian businesses now require guests to present proof of vaccination or proof that they are COVID negative upon entry.

Recently, Pasadena also shared that once the vaccine shots received federal approval, all city employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

CHOOSING DEFIANCE

In the midst of these new vaccine requirements, the restaurant owner expressed his views: "by imposing proof-of-vaccination policies — we chose to fire another missile of defiance to further make our point in defense of American liberty and freedom.”

According to Orange County data, where Basilico’s restaurant is located, about 55% of Orange County residents are fully vaccinated, and about 62% are partially vaccinated.

ANTI-MASK AND ANTI-VACCINE

Various groups have shared anti-mask and anti-vaccine sentiments for more than a year. In May, these groups visited a Board of Supervisors meeting to fight any “passport” programs linked to vaccination.

Covid numbers have been rising in Orange County, but Basilico’s Pasta e Vino has been sharing anti-mask messages and using the hashtag #nomasksallowed.

DEEP DIVIDE AMONGST CITIZENS

The restaurant's Facebook page contained an image featuring mask-wearers with a big red line crossed over them. These depictions and comments have sparked uproar amongst people.

Hundreds of people shared both supporting and outraged opinions in response to their comments. There is a deep divide between citizen's views on mask-wearing and vaccination programs in this county.

DECLINE IN THE RESTAURANT'S REVIEWS

Basilico’s Operations Manager, Jonathan Millikan, offered no comment about their views. He only stated that they might host a conference to reach out to more people.

A large group of outraged also netizens took to the user-review website Yelp.com to add their opinions on Basilico’s. A trendline looking at the restaurant's performance from May to June showed that their online reviews have declined significantly.