Covid Passes for nightclubs come into force today
Some 99 Conservative MPs voted against the Government’s plans but Labour support in favour of them meant the plans were passed in Parliament with a majority of 243.
Clubgoers and those entering big sporting matches alongside other large events will now have to show an NHS Covid Pass, a recent negative test or full vaccination on entry.
Trade body for the late-night sector the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) hit back at the move.
Very disappointing
NTIA boss Michael Kill said: “We are disappointed MPs have voted in law Covid passports for nightclubs. The NTIA has consistently opposed the introduction due to the many logistical challenges it poses for night-time economy businesses and what we have seen in Scotland and Wales where it has dampened trade by 30% and 26% respectively.
“It is very disappointing that, after flip flopping on the issue twice, the Government has decided to press ahead with the plans despite no evidence of the impact on transmission of the virus.
“This is a slippery path we are going down. I would urge the Government to listen to its backbenchers now – this far and no further.”
Kill highlighted how the Government’s public health messaging over the past two weeks had cost the sector billions in trade, lost stock and staff hours.
More sacrifice
He added: “These additional restrictions will jeopardise the survival of businesses in 2022 – we need urgent additional support now. It goes without saying that if more measures are increased, we need a proportionate support package, including a return of the furlough scheme.
“Our members have supported the national pandemic effort for more than two years, closing when they were asked, limiting trade, working with guidelines that took investment on new mitigations and training to be able to open their doors and keep customers and staff safe.
“Despite this, they are facing yet more sacrifice, which will stretch even the most prepared businesses across our sector. Let the Government not forget they have shown when addressing support for businesses overburdened with debt and at the sharpest end of the pandemic restrictions.”
