Publicans feel burden over new Covid rules
BUSINESS CONCERNED ABOUT EFFECT ON CUSTOMERS
managing director of two Derby city centre pubs has expressed concerns over a potential “knock-on effect” following the upcoming requirement of Covid passports at some venues.
The Government has announced it is moving into “Plan B” restrictions from following concerns over the new Covid variant Omicron.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says some venues with large indoor capacity (more than 500 people) and outdoor venues (more than 4,000 people) will have to ask visitors to show proof of Covid passports before being allowed entry.
The new rules, set to come into force on Monday, will mainly affect nightclubs, large restaurants and performance venues.
And pub owners have also raised concern about a potential knock-on effect.
Paul Harris is managing director of Derby Brewing Company which owns a number of pubs in Derby and surrounding areas – including The Tap and The Greyhound. Although the Covid passports will not directly affect the venues which Mr Harris runs, the businessman still expressed concern.
He said: “I guess what does impact on us is the continued messages that are coming out and what that does to public confidence.
“What can happen following this is people get nervous or say they don’t want to go out and then make cancellations on bookings at what is a crucial time of year for our business and everyone in hospitality.
“I appreciate we have to do the right thing, but I think it just feels a bit like measures are being put in in a ‘just in case’ scenario.
“People don’t just come into one venue and stay there. It is a knock-on effect and a blow on us.
“I’m not a fan of this two-tier society – I think everything has got to be a personal choice. I’m on board with the vaccinations but there are other people who may not be. I feel really bad for the nightclubs sector – they’ve been the most severely hit from all of us throughout the pandemic.”
Mr Harris was also asked if it would be possible to manage vaccination passports at pubs, should that become a realistic prospect.
“It’s totally unmanageable,” he said. “If you are saying you can’t have a person in the building then that means you have to have someone on the door permanently.
“Then that brings in the argument where some people get frustrated about the whole situation and then you are putTHE ting your own staff in danger.”
Steve Kirk, landlord of The Neptune at The Spot feared further restrictions.
He said: “I’m not too concerned because I don’t think Covid passports rules will come to pubs. If it comes it comes but I don’t see how we can police it. I’d be interested to see how it works at the football. I’m just hoping we don’t get more restrictions.“
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) said the new rules were a major blow for those who work in the night-time sector.
Michael Kill, NTIA chief executive,
said: “The announcement of Plan B by the Government is devastating news for the nightlife sector.
“Vaccine passports have a damaging impact on night-time economy businesses, as we have seen in other parts of the UK where they have been implemented like Scotland – where trade is down 30 percent – and Wales, where it down 26 percent. The UK Government have twice ruled out vaccine passports before twice changing their mind.”
Derby Theatre says on its website the new Covid passport rule will not be applied because the venue’s capacity is not big enough.
Derby Arena, owned by Derby City Council, is expected to host this year’s pantomime. It is understood the venue will not have to comply to the Covid passport rule either, although rules on face coverings were introduced yesterday.
A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “The safety of our staff and customers remains our highest priority and...in line with national guidance, it will be mandatory for our audience members to wear a face covering to our Christmas shows unless they are exempt.
“This includes the pantomime at Derby Arena and events in the Derby Loves You indoor venue at Derby Market Place. We also strongly recommend that our customers take further steps to protect themselves and others by taking a lateral flow test before they come to our events. We will continue to review our position in line with national and industry guidance.”