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A Durham bar is taking further action to help slow the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Bouncers and staff at the Kotuku Surf Club in Durham will not only check for proof of vaccination, but also for identification showing guests are 23 years of age or older.
The owner of Kotuku said it may not have been a universally popular move, but a necessary one.
Ricardo Smith loves to visit the bar. As a local comedian and artist for clubs, he said, his industry has already taken a hit. For this reason, he is on the fence about the changes.
“It’s one of the must-sees here in Durham,” said Smith. “I come probably four evenings a week.”
He said he was torn by the new policy. He doesn’t see how two years of age difference will prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Others, like Chris Davis who lives nearby, think it’s a smart move.
“I understand that goes to 23. Keep a lot of youngsters out of the way,” Davis said.
People between the ages of 18 and 24 represent only 8% of the total number of people vaccinated against the virus. Vaccination rates in this age group are slowly increasing, according to state data.
The owner said in a statement he wanted to manage the space more efficiently.
“We have seen that small groups of young clients turn into large groups before we know it,” the statement said.
The bar is known as a hot spot for the college crowd. Duke University has already reported two COVID-19 clusters before classes start.
“I hope we can find some common ground,” Smith said.
The owner of Kotuku Surf Club also operates other bars in the area. It is not known at this time if these places will take the same precautions.
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