A day after joining other local businesses to urge Milwaukeeans to get vaccinated, the Pabst Theater Group announced today that it will require guests to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for its venues when it attempts to reopen for events starting on Sept. 1.

"We’ve been closed for 17 months and want to do everything in our power to never experience a devastating shutdown like that ever again," said a statement from the Pabst Theater Group. "We owe it to our employees, patrons, artists and our community to use whatever safety tools we have, and at this point, our greatest measure is to ensure that all those in our venues either prove they’ve been fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test that’s been taken within 72 hours of the event."

The announcement comes less than a week after Summerfest revealed that it will also require COVID-19 vaccination proof or evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test before entry at the Big Gig next month. These requirements arrive as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths rise – both in Wisconsin and across the nation – due to the spread of the Delta variant. 

"This isn’t a political statement; it’s recognition that the science is showing vaccines protect from the worst potential outcomes of COVID-19. We need to recognize that COVID-19 will not be completely eradicated, like the flu isn’t, but we can adapt to manage it so we can live our lives as safely as possible and protect those who aren’t eligible or able to be vaccinated," says the Pabst Theater Group's statement. "If you want to enjoy a performance with us and thousands of others, you will demonstrate you’ve protected yourself, the people around you and the community by taking the vaccine, or if you’re ineligible or choose not to be vaccinated, prove that you do not have COVID-19 when you join us."

The Pabst Theater Group will offer refunds or a voucher for another show for those who take issue with the venues' current COVID-19 policy. 

For more information on protocols and COVID-19 expectations for upcoming shows between now and Sept. 1, click here – and to find your COVID-19 vaccination, follow this link.