When Brack May began requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for indoor dining at his restaurant near the Mississippi River levee in New Orleans, some of the reactions were intense.

“We got a couple of f-bombs and a few people left,” said May, co-owner of Cowbell, a gourmet burger eatery in a former gas station that continues to offer outdoor seating for the unvaccinated. “One guy just flipped out,” he said. That customer stormed out even as his girlfriend had begun digging through her belongings looking for her proof of vaccination, May said. Other customers, however, have said they appreciated May’s decision…

“Good!” Ken Singer said when told about the local mandate. His voice was partly muffled by a red, white and blue mask he removed at times to sip his drink. He said there should be a federal mask mandate.

Elyse Singer proudly showed off her vaccination card and said she’d wear her mask regardless of the mandate. “I wish there was a vaccine mandate, but they can’t do that,” said Elyse, visiting New Orleans for the first time in 30 years.