Pubs and nightclubs could ditch social distancing rules if they adopt Covid vaccine passport regimes
PUBS and nightclubs could ditch social distancing rules if they adopt Covid vaccine passport schemes, it's claimed.
Ministers are considering allowing bars and big events to abandon tough rules if they operate coronavirus 'status checks'.
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But the so-called 'papers for the pub' plan has sparked a row in the Tory party.
Boris Johnson yesterday suggested pubs could ban drinkers who haven't had a Covid vaccination.
Punters may have to show proof of a jab or a recent negative test to get a pint.
The PM told MPs yesterday it “may be up to the landlord” — adding: “The concept of vaccine certification should not be totally alien to us.”
And this morning, he said such a scheme may only be possible after every Brit has been offered the vaccine.
"I do think there is going to be a role for certification," he said.
"There are lots of difficult issues, because there are some people who - for medical reasons - can't get a vaccination, pregnant women can't get a vaccination at the moment, you've got to be careful about how you do this.
"You might only be able to implement a thorough-going vaccination passport scheme even if you wanted such a thing in the context of when absolutely everybody had been offered a vaccine."
It comes as:
- Britain's jabs roll-out has saved 6,600 lives since it launched, Matt Hancock said
- Boris hinted pubs could ban punters who haven't had a vaccine
- India dealt the UK's vaccine drive a blow by bringing in an export ban
- Over-50s have been urged to book their jabs now
- Boris Johnson has warned 'things are looking difficult on the continent' in a holiday blow for Brits
- MPs are set to vote on Boris Johnson's latest round of Covid laws today which would last for six months
Government sources had previously told The Sun that allowing pubs, bars and restaurants to set their own rules was within the scope of a review being led by Michael Gove and due to report back next month.
But the move has prompted strong criticism from Tory backbenchers, who worry it could lead to landlords turning away people from communities and ethnic backgrounds where take-up has been lower.
One source told the paper many pubs will face a choice between being half-full with social distancing measures in place - or using certificates so they could open at full capacity.
It's unclear how long such a system would be required.
Pubs spent millions on implementing social distancing measures last year including arrows and space markers on floors and ensuring tables were set out with a two-metre distance between groups.
Outdoor hospitality is due to reopen next month.
The PM's roadmap to ease restrictions does appear to be on track.
Internal Government estimates suggest deaths will fall below 20 a day in the weeks to come, while the number of people battling Covid in hospital could halve within a fortnight.
But the idea of vaccination passports has been deeply unpopular in the industry and among some Tory MPs.
Minister Michael Gove is leading a review into how vaccine passports could work.
Trade body UKHospitality criticised the prospect of pubs and restaurants being subject to vaccine certificates as "simply unworkable" - and said it could cause conflict between staff and customers.
Meanwhile, Tory MP and backbench chief rebel Steve Baker, who has repeatedly called for lockdown to be eased, warned it could create a "two-tier Britain" for those who are unable to take up the vaccine for medical reasons.
The deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of Conservative lockdown sceptics said: "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 now 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 that prevents pregnant women from taking part in society, given that the Government is telling them not to take the vaccine, or one where we turn back the clock and tolerate businesses turning away customers from communities which have shown an unfortunate hesitancy to take up the offer of a vaccine.
";We must not fall into this ghastly trap."
And chairman of the Covid Recovery Group, Mark Harper, told Sky News: "I actually agree with the Prime Minister - that is the Prime Minister of February when he said that he didn't think there was a case for expecting people to show papers to go to the pub and said there were very significant problems with ethical, moral questions about this issue."
This morning, Children's Minister Vicky Ford was probed about what it'll mean for families in an interview on Good Morning Britain.
Asked how she can back a scheme that could ban families with young children from cinemas, pubs and theatres, the politician replied: "Of course everyone wants to get back to normal as quickly as possible."
But she added: "The Government has said it will do a review and look at all those difficult questions, and I shouldn't get ahead of that review."
And she admitted to LBC: "It has lots of ethical questions."
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And Greg Mulholland, chairman of the British Pub Confederation, said: “For the Government to abdicate responsibility and ask pubs to make a moral judgment — it’s just not acceptable.
“On top of having to take on extra staff to serve people at tables, the idea pubs can take on staff to act as door staff for vaccine passports is absurd.”