Restaurant News: Patrons must now be vaccinated to dine at this Sarasota-Manatee destination - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Beach Bistro, an Anna Maria Island icon on Holmes Beach that opened in 1985, emailed a newsletter to customers last week noting that its staff had reached a vaccination rate of 100% and asked that guests do the same.

"Beach Bistro will now require its patrons to be vaccinated, given the dangerous surging of delta coronavirus and the Beach Bistro’s deep commitment to safety for both staff and guests," reads the statement sent to the Herald-Tribune.

"DeSantis is a bonehead," said Sean Murphy, founder and owner of Beach Bistro along with wife Susan Timmins. "He says we’re not allowed to require proof of vaccination.

So, we’re asking our patrons to be vaccinated but not requiring proof of vaccination.".

Murphy also owns the restaurant Eat Here, which is temporarily closed, and the craft cocktail bar The Doctor's Office, both of which are also located nearby in the city of Holmes Beach. People arriving at both Beach Bistro and Doctor's Office are being questioned about their vaccination status before entering.

Murphy said the policy has resulted in at least one negative review online for Beach Bistro as well as a confrontation outside The Doctor's Office.