Quebec's vaccination passport is now being enforced. Here's what you need to know

The Quebec government is officially cracking down on enforcement of its vaccination passport, starting Sept. 15.

The passport an electronic record of vaccination in the form of a quick response (QR) code went into effect Sept. 1, barringpeople who aren't fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from a host of non-essential activities.

Today marks the end of the two-week grace periodthe province put in place forpeople and businesses to adapt. Although the system was in use, no penalties were imposed for non-compliance.

Here's what you can expect going forward.

What are the penalties?

Starting today, businesses and patrons who refuse to use or comply with the vaccination passport system run the risk of being fined.

People aged 13and over must presenttheir VaxiCode app or a printed proof of adequate vaccination in order to gain entry into a long list of businesses and non-essential activities.

How does Quebec's vaccination passport really work? We tested it out

3 years ago

Duration 2:54

Verity Stevenson headed out in Montreal on the first day of the new measures and has a practical guide to how it all works.

People whotry to get into places requiring the vaccination passport without onerisk receiving fines similar to those handed out over the course of the pandemic for violating other public health measures, which range from $1,000 to $6,000.

Anyone who commits fraud in connection with the vaccine passport could face fines of the same amount. Altering a government document or using falsified identification is punishable under the Criminal Code.

Businesses that don't enforce vaccine passport rules can also face fines between$1,000 to $6,000.

What if a business doesn't ask to see my passport?

Customers can report businesses that are not checking QR codes. Non-compliance could result in a business being shut down.

Those 16 years of age and older must present a photo ID along with their proof of vaccination. For those 75 and older, non-photo ID is accepted.

Where is it required?

A wide range of activities and events require you to be adequately vaccinated, includingfestivals, gyms, sports venues and training facilities. Restaurants and barsrequire a passport, even to sit on terrasses, but not for takeout. Other places requiring passports include casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, amusement parks, fairs, marathons, escape roomsand zoos.A full list is available on theprovince's website.

Will more places start requiring the passport?

Despite 88per cent of Quebec's eligible population havingreceived a first dose, and 82per cent two doses, Health Minister Christian Dub has said the province could extend the reach of the vaccination passport depending on the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in Quebec.

Hospitalizations in the province have tripled in the last month, and ICU admissions have increased five-foldduring the same period.

In a tweet Tuesday, Dub said these casesare mostly people who are not adequately vaccinated.

For the time being, retail stores and schools will not require proof of vaccination. Private gatherings, weddings, places of worship, spas, driving school, and meetings and general assemblies also won't require proof of vaccination for now.