I don’t like paying for auto insurance. Never had an accident in 58 years of driving cars all over USA. But the states force me to buy “liability” insurance. It is a good civic requirement. It protects others if I cause an accident.
Most schools will not allow your child to attend if child does not have all required vaccinations. That protects OTHER children.
Exact same thing with covid-19 vaccine. It should be mandatory to participate in any group activity with strangers. Such as flights, cruises, inter-state buses, movie theaters, etc. It is your civic duty to stop spread of the pandemic by vaccinating yourself.
I agree with much of what you’ve said, though only in essential public venues like transportation. You don’t have to purchase to drive a car, only to drive on public highways legally. Though a good policy, it does eliminate other options, like securing a bond to cover potential liability to others. However places like restaurants and movie theaters, I’d prefer the individual business’ make that decision. Yes, most will require it for liability reasons, but there’s no compelling public interest it viewing a movie. Marathons and 10Ks are popular, if they want to require a mask fine, participants have a choice.