VACCINE PASSPORT TO GO TO THE PUB
Drinkers could be barred without proof of jab or recent negative test
PUBS could be allowed to bar customers who cannot prove they have had a Covid jab or a negative test.
Appearing before MPs yesterday, Boris Johnson suggested that landlords might be given powers to impose tough entry requirements on drinkers.
Government sources confirmed this was part of an official review of ‘vaccine passports’. However, industry bosses said the idea was ‘absurd’ and ‘unworkable’ and signalled they would not ask customers for proof that they had been inoculated or were clear of coronavirus.
Mr Johnson told the MPs that vaccine certification should not be ‘totally alien to us’ – a stance at odds with statements from some of his ministers that Covid passports
were ‘discriminatory’. The development comes just as the vaccine rollout starts to slow because of supply problems. Younger people now face a longer wait and some inoculation centres are already indicating they will close temporarily next month.
As a further 98 deaths and 5,605 cases of Covid were reported:
The UK and the European Commission said they were working together to improve their relationship over the pandemic;
The joint statement came after Brussels published details of a plan to restrict jab exports to Britain;
Angela Merkel yesterday apologised to Germans after reversing an Easter lockdown announced only 24 hours earlier;
England’s top doctor called on over-50s to book a jab while they still could access one;
India said it was blocking all major exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine;
Mr Johnson warned that tougher border measures could be introduced ‘very soon’ for arrivals from France;
MPs prepared to vote on the extension of emergency coronavirus powers for several months;
A study revealed that seven in ten Covid patients still suffer debilitating symptoms five months after being discharged from hospital.
The Prime Minister was asked about the idea of vaccine passports or certificates being required for entry to a pub at a meeting of the
Commons liaison committee. He said: ‘That’s the kind of thing – it may be up to individual publicans, it may be up to the landlord.
‘The basic concept of vaccine certification should not be totally alien to us because when you’re entrusted with the care of a patient and, say you’re a surgeon, you’re expected to have a vaccination against hepatitis B. The principle is there.’
But William Lees- Jones of JW Lees, which has 42 pubs and hotels, said: ‘Vaccine passports are un-British – the Europeans might carry identity, but we’ve never done it, and I think it brings in a whole new level of bureaucracy.
‘I wouldn’t require my customers to have a vaccine passport. The industry needs to recover, and from June 21 there will be no restrictions in our pubs anyway. We’re happy to show a passport getting on an airplane, it’s reassuring, but the fundamental of a pub is you can walk in, order a drink, and feel at ease. If the Government mandates is, it will be on thin ice.’
Dermot King of Oakman Inns, which has 34 pubs, said his ‘gut reaction’ was that he would not require a vaccine passport, but said he would consider it if it allowed restrictions to be dropped early.
He added: ‘It would be a lot of
‘Whole new level of bureaucracy’
administration, and undoubtedly we’d have to keep records and send them. If customers felt safer going out and didn’t have to put up with the same restrictions once they’d produced a passport, then it could be worth it. Without those it’s just another barrier.’
Kate Nicholls of UK Hospitality insisted that visiting a pub, cafe or restaurant should not be subject to vaccination certification.
She added: ‘It is simply unworkable, would cause conflict between staff and customers and almost certainty result in breaches of equality rules.
‘Through the success of the vaccine rollout we need to throw off the shackles of coronavirus in line with the Government’s roadmap – not impose more checks on our ability to socialise and do business.’
Greg Mulholland of the Campaign for Pubs warned that the idea of pubs policing whether people have been vaccinated was ‘both unfair and also absurd’.
He said: ‘Table service already means pubs having to take on more staff, despite less trade, so to have to take on door staff to check people’s vaccination history would be simply unviable, as well as alienating customers.
‘If the Government really want vaccine passports, then they need to organise this and not try to push the responsibility on to hardworking publicans who still have several challenging months ahead until pubs can open normally again.’
James Almond, whose family runs four pubs around Manchester, said: ‘I don’t think we would be asking people. I’m confident our pubs are safe without the vaccine passport.
‘It’s too offensive, our industry needs to be hospitable to win back confidence and asking for a passport on arrival is not hospitable. You don’t need a vaccine passport to show you haven’t got Covid – the rest of us are walking around without it too.’
Steve Baker, deputy chairman of the 70-strong Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs, urged Mr Johnson to
‘It’s both unfair and absurd’
‘not fall into this ghastly trap’ of demanding ‘papers for the pub’.
He added: ‘The Prime Minister began to tread a dangerous path when he opened the door to domestic Covid certificates. First they said we’ll need them to watch the football, and today that it may be papers for the pub. Whether the state legislates for it, recommends it, or simply allows it the result will be the same: a two-tier Britain.’
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove is considering what requirements hospitality venues could introduce as part of a review into the potential use of vaccine certificates.
It is due to report back in June but a decision could come before May 17 when pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve indoors again.