Landlords join efforts to see time called on vaccine passport plans
Bar proposals for empty retail unit are filed
A NUMBER of Derbyshire pub landlords and hotel owners are taking a stand against plans to introduce vaccine passports.
The Government is said to be considering Covid-status certification with people potentially having to show proof of inoculation so mass gatherings can restart, and it hasn’t been ruled out for pubs and restaurants.
More than 100 business owners nationally have signed the Open for All charter, which argues that operators should not have to ask their customers for proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
Among those to have signed the charter is Simon King, owner of The Bunny Hop Ale House, in Langley Mill.
Mr King says he and his wife Charlotte have both received their first dose of the Covid vaccine, but believes the introduction of vaccine passports would discriminate against those who cannot or chose not to get the jab.
He said: “We are in no way antivax and have both had our first jabs, as have the majority of our locals and believe they are a wonderful creation to protect the vulnerable in our society.
“However, discriminating against the population who cannot or chose not to have it, families and the young, is a treacherous step to a two-tier society.
“Pubs have always been a welcoming, inclusive environment for all and we will not be embracing this quite frankly dystopian new normal.
“I just don’t believe in discriminatory policies at this stage, obviously if it becomes mandatory we won’t have any choice anyway.”
Chesterfield businessman Steve Perez, owner of the Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel and Red Lion pub, has also backed the campaign.
The founder of Global Brands, which is responsible for alcoholic beverages such as VK and Amigos, posted a signatory quote on the Open for All website.
Mr Perez’s comment reads: “My businesses will not ask our customers for any medical information. I would hope the Government would not punish businesses and staff for making a moral
AN empty retail unit in Derbyshire could be transformed into a bar under new plans.
Proposals have been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council to turn a vacant unit at 10 Station Road, Whittington Moor, into a “drinking establishment”.
As part of this, the frontage of the shop, as well as the inside, would be refurbished to allow it to become more suitable for use as a judgement.
“My conscience would not allow me to discriminate which customers I welcome into my establishments on medical or disability grounds.
“I would trust my customers not to visit if they feel unwell or if they are particularly vulnerable. If they are concerned about mixing we will do our best to accommodate them. Our industry must not be bullied into complying with badly thought-out Government policy.”
The operators of two venues in the town of Dronfield, in North East Derbyshire - The Green Dragon pub, and The Manor House hotel have also added their names to the charter.
Alan Miller, the co-founder of Night Time Industries Association, organised the letter which has also been signed by DJs, promoters and TV presenter Tonia Buxton.
The charter reads: “We, the undersigned, are licensed premises and event promoters that have all struggled at this diffibar. The plans have been submitted by John Norton through a company called Beer Station Ltd.
The drawings show plans to install Victorian-style tiles in the colour of British Racing Green.
According to planning documents the business would open from 4pm to 10pm from Monday to Friday, while opening from midday to 10pm on cult time for everyone. We have no axe to grind politically and many of us think the vaccine roll-out has been tremendous for those who wish to take it.
“We also know that for many reasons some will not have a vaccine. Furthermore, we do not believe it is right that we, as premises and promoters, should demand to see proof of medical records or health status. The majority of people in the UK have chosen to be vaccinated. There are many practical and logistical issues for us alongside civil liberty and discrimination considerations more broadly for society if venues or events insist on seeing any kind of health related documents.
“For that reason, we have signed up to the Licensed Premises & Events Charter Open for All - which means that we shall not be forcing our patrons to show us any documentation referring to health status in order to gain entry. We respect everybody’s personal choices and diversity is one of our pillars.”
Saturdays, Sundays and bank Holidays. It claims in the process it will create one full-time job and five part-time roles, the equivalent to four full-time positions.
The documents also state there are no plans to install parking specifically for the business, instead relying on on-street parking outside the shop and the free public car park 60 metres away.