Unenforceable, unworkable... UN-BRITISH
AFTEr more than a year of lockdowns, the reopening of the Great British Pub next month should be a moment to cherish.
But any celebrations will be badly soured if the Government goes ahead with its disastrous proposal to introduce Covid passports for hospitality trade.
Under this intrusive, destructive and unenforceable scheme, customers could be denied entry to any pub if they failed to produce proof – probably through a smartphone app – that they had either been vaccinated, had a recent negative test or had Covid antibodies.
The idea is wholly un-British, smacking of something from a totalitarian regime. Freedom – like the pub itself – is woven into the fabric of our national identity. To be effective, the Government would have to establish a national digital database and a huge network of local enforcement agencies. But the state’s record on such projects is hardly inspiring, as highlighted by the expensive shambles that was Test and Trace.
Nor has the recent treatment of pubs been reassuring – the 10pm curfew and the incomprehensible guidelines on ‘substantial’ meals became notorious.
British pubs have been hammered throughout the pandemic, with many forced to shut permanently. This passport measure would be another crippling blow. Publicans are already struggling to meet their bills, yet under this proposal they would have to take on more staff to implement and police the scheme. The vaccine rollout is being staggered by age, so it was a relief yesterday when the Prime Minister admitted it may be possible to introduce these passports only once all adults have been offered a jab.
otherwise, it would surely discriminate against our biggest source of income – the young.
All sorts of other practical problems arise. refusing entry could lead to the risk of conflict and intimidation. Do landlords really want to act as a quasi police force? A black market in fake certificates and apps will almost certainly be created, too. Will pubs have the expertise to deal with that?
Do we want inspectors conducting spot checks, like something out of a police state?
I suspect the Government wants to impose these passports to encourage the public’s acceptance of new rules for trips abroad. But given the danger of importing new variants, international travel is the last thing the state should be promoting.
Britain’s battered hospitality industry is essential to our economy, and that is where support should be concentrated. This bullying scheme will do nothing to help.