Boston trade group says restaurants are losing as much as $15,000 a week because customers are put off by new vaccine rules

The Massachusetts Restaurant Association wrote a letter to the Boston mayor complaining about the city's vaccine mandate.

The new requirement to show proof of vaccination took effect on January 15.

The future of our restaurants, small businesses and employment are dependent on the choices our leaders make today, and the damage that has already occurred statewide in the restaurant industry can't be undone.

The MRA says it gives access, influence, and protection to restaurant professionals. The state Capitol and city halls have support for the hotel industry.

Businesses are often required to ask patrons for proof of vaccinations as a response to the surge in Omicron cases. Boston News 25 reported that there have been many protests over the new rules.

The MRA wrote a letter to the mayor asking that he reexamine the vaccine mandate given the rapidly improving conditions in Boston.

As community positivity goes down, as we see vaccination rates go up, we want to get back to a situation where people are free to go about their lives.

The city is still trying to figure out the best way to move forward while being cautious, according to the Boston Herald.

The restaurant sector in Massachusetts has been affected by the labor shortage. The owner of a restaurant chain in the state said staff shortages were having a huge impact on local businesses.