Scrapping of vaccine passports a ‘massive relief’ for nightclubs
SOME Bristol venue owners say they are ‘massively relieved’ that vaccine passports have been scrapped for access into nightclubs.
A U-turn decision by the government means vaccine passports which had been heavily criticised by venues and some MPs - will no longer be required upon entry to crowded events at the end of this month.
It’s welcome news to some of Bristol’s most popular bars and nightclubs, with one venue owner saying the decision gives staff ‘more flexibility.’
Mark Davis, owner of Basement 45 on Frogmore Street, said: “I’m massively relieved about Covid passports not going ahead at this stage.
“It gives us more flexibility from a staff and door staff point of view, specifically because there had been a number of staff that hadn’t had either doses of the vaccine.
“And it means that some of our promoters won’t have to worry that their nights won’t be able to go ahead.”
Health secretary Sajid Javid revealed at the weekend that the idea of passports - that would have required proof of entry to a club, whether through double vaccination or a negative Covid test - had been axed, for now.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously announced they were to be introduced at the end of this month, but are instead being kept “in reserve”, should they be needed in the coming months.
The Night Time Industries Association had said the plans could have crippled the industry and led to nightclubs facing discrimination cases.
The Music Venue Trust, which aims to protect grassroots venues,
also said it was glad vaccine passports would not be going ahead, describing them as “problematic”.
Marta, who works behind the bar at BSB on Bristol’s harbourside, welcomed the government’s decision to scrap the passports as “a good thing.”
She said: “It’s not something that should be forced on people.
“As staff we still try and keep a distance, but after such a long time,
I believe it’s time to go back to normal.”
Martin Page, owner of Motion, one of Bristol’s biggest nightclubs, also called the move “great news.”
He said: “The news that the proposed Covid passport has been cancelled is, of course, great news for all of the late night venues and large scaled events across the UK.
“We have been patiently waiting to hear news for some time now
and hopefully this will put an end to any further speculation.”
Motion’s Covid policy states that proof of either a negative lateral flow test, full vaccination or immunity must be shown upon entry to the venue.
It comes as 40,000 people are expected to attend Tokyo World this weekend, and must also show proof of a negative lateral flow test or double vaccination.