Covid passports: Entertainment venues air concerns over plans

LEADING figures in the United Kingdom entertainment industry have expressed reservations about the prospect of using Covid passports as venues re-open, especially if they require proof of vaccination.

e government has said Covid-status certificates could be used at theatres, nightclubs and festivals from June. ey could be used to prove if a person has been vaccinated, has had a recent negative test or has natural immunity. But some industry figures say they have “deep concerns” over the proposals.

e announcement of a series of pilot events, which will start later this month, has already proved controversial.

Trial events are due to take place at venues in Liverpool, as well as sporting fixtures, including the Snooker World Championships and FA Cup Final. Everyone will need to take a test before and after their event, and the government has said “Covid-status certification will also be trialled as part of the pilot programme”.

But confusion over whether that will include proof of vaccinations led Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club — which was scheduled to host the first pilot event on April 16 — to pull out. It got online abuse after the media wrongly reported that a vaccination would be required for entry. e government has said any use of Covid-status certificates would be “time-limited”.

It’s safe to say those in the entertainment industry are desperate to welcome back giggoers, clubbers, film fans and theatre lovers.

But how do those in the industry feel about the proposals?

Out of 700 clubbing businesses surveyed by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), which represents businesses like nightclubs, bars and festivals, 70% felt that vaccine certificates, negative testing or immunity proof were not necessary to re-open, the organisation said.

And 69% felt they would have a negative impact on business.

NTIA chief executive Michael Kill said there were still “deep concerns over the measures required for all businesses to re-open” on June 21, which is the earliest date for step four of the government’s re-opening roadmap.

Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, has similar reservations. “We remain very much opposed to any requirement to ask customers to prove their Covid status,” he said.

“ at’s a point of principle in terms of whether it’s appropriate to ask someone to prove they have had a medical procedure when going to what’s supposed to be a place of entertainment.

Paul Reed, chief executive of the Association of Independent Festivals, was also concerned about vaccination passports.

“Until we know more, it is too early to meaningfully comment on the implications and viability of Covid certificates for festivals. We will reserve judgment until we understand exactly what the government is proposing in terms of specifics and mechanics.” — BBC Online.