SNP ‘making up passport policy as they go along’
Pub customers may have to show proof of jabs AND negative test
CUSTOMERS may need to show both proof of a negative Covid test and evidence that they have been double-jabbed to enter pubs, clubs, cinemas and theatres.
Critics yesterday accused ministers of ‘making up policies as they go along’ after it was confirmed the ‘ridiculous’ change to the controversial vaccine passport scheme is being considered.
Under the current scheme, people need to show evidence they have been double-jabbed to enter nightclubs, late-night bars, sports stadiums or major events.
Nicola Sturgeon has said the scheme may be extended to cinemas, theatres and ‘some other licensed and hospitality premises’ from December 6, and will announce a final decision next Tuesday.
But Deputy First Minister John Swinney yesterday suggested the scheme could also be altered to require proof of a negative Covid test and a vaccine certificate before entering some places.
He said this ‘theoretical option’ was under consideration as part of a discussion on whether vaccine passports should be expanded.
Mr Swinney also said ministers are considering whether to allow evidence of a negative test as an alternative to a vaccine certificate.
But he told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme: ‘The other option is to add
‘Test Government has got to apply’
on testing on to vaccination as well, so vaccine certificate and testing. That is a theoretical option.’
He added: ‘We’ve got to make sure we’re taking the right and proportionate decisions. That is the test the Government has got to apply.
‘We want to look at the most upto-date information on the state of the pandemic and make decisions about what lies ahead for us in what we know is going to be a very challenging winter, and take appropriate and proportionate decisions.’
Scottish Conservative Covid recovery spokesman Murdo Fraser said: ‘The SNP appear to be making up policies as they go along – and businesses will be tearing their hair out.
‘The idea you might need to show proof of a negative test – on top of proof of double vaccination – is ridiculous. The vaccine passport scheme is already deeply impractical, and this extra level of certification would make it impossible to visit affected businesses without advanced planning. ‘That would decimate footfall in the run up to Christmas and push many businesses over the edge.’ In her Covid statement delivered on Tuesday, Miss Sturgeon delayed a final decision on extending Covid vaccine passports to more premises until next week. A Scottish Government blueprint published on Tuesday showed that the five-tier levels framework or specific curbs on ‘high transmission’ settings could be brought in if case numbers soar over winter. Scottish Labour health spokesman Jackie Baillie said: ‘After months of refusing to listen to the scientific evidence, the SNP has now been forced to concede that proof of a negative test must be an integral part of our Covid reduction strategy.’