Ministers set up a potential Covid clash with owners of nightclubs and other large venues today with a threat to force them to use Covid passports to admit revellers.
From July 19 places which host mass entertainment events indoors are being urged to require 'Covid certification' of vaccination status as a condition of entry.
But guidance released by the Government last night warned that it will consider making the system 'mandatory' in future if steps to limit the spread of Covid are not taken by firms.
The small print could set up a bitter row with businesses, after nightlife firms suggested that the passports would seriously impede their operation.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, last night said: that the Government are right not to mandate the use of Covid status certification systems.
'Much of the night time economy relies on spontaneous consumers, and by permitting businesses to opt out, the Government have allowed for this trade to continue.'
From July 19 places which host mass entertainment events indoors are being urged to require 'Covid certification' of vaccination status as a condition of entry. Pictured: Circus in Liverpool
But guidance released by the Government last night warned that it will consider making the system 'mandatory' in future if steps to limit the spread of Covid are not taken by firms.
The small print could set up a bitter row with businesses, after nightlife firms suggested that the passports would seriously impede their operation.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, last night said: that the Government are right not to mandate the use of Covid status certification systems'
Ministers would not say exactly which venues would be encouraged to bring in the passports – but did say they included places where people were 'likely to be in close proximity to others outside their household'.
This could mean theatres, cinemas, busy pubs, indoor concerts and any other crowded indoor event.
Announcing that venues would be able to return to full capacity from next Monday, Mr Johnson last night said: 'As a matter of social responsibility, we're urging nightclubs and other venues with large crowds to make use of the NHS Covid Pass.'
