NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) – The owner of several well-known Nashville honky tonks is offering an incentive for any of his employees who get vaccinated.
Steve Smith, owner of Tootsie’s, Honky Tonk Central and The Diner, confirmed to News4 on Tuesday he will pay his employees $500 to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Smith says he wants to make sure his staff is safe and protected while interacting with tourists, and doesn’t want them to have to miss work if they contract the virus.
Tootsie’s owner offering $500 incentive for employee vaccinations | News | wsmv.com
Tootsies Orchid Lounge was the first bar I went to when I moved to Nashville back when the world was in 525 lines and downtown Nashville was not a tourist trap and sometimes not a nice place to be. Back then it was still a place for cheap beer and where the wishful artists and fans come for a chance to meet old school stars taking a break from the Grand Ole Opry.
It is good to see that at least somebody is trying to use positive reinforcement rather than being a petty tyrant about vaccines.
Tootsies is one of the very few places that proudly, loudly hired extra security to wand anyone coming in after restaurant carry was passed.
My guess is they’re already short staffed and he can’t risk people quitting if he gives an ultimatum.
Back then Tootsies barely had a bartender and a stage hand 😀
There is always free cheese in a mousetrap.
YOU.DON’T.HAVE.TO.GET.THE.VACCINE.
And amazingly simple concept, yet so misunderstood.