UK nightclubs advised to ask attendees for vaccine passports

Nightclubs and event organisers in the UK have been advised by the British government to request proof that attendees have tested negative for Covid or have received two vaccine doses.

Confirming that most Covid rules in England will be lifted on 19 July, Health Secretary Sajid Javid encouraged event organisers to request vaccine passports from revellers.

Vaccine passports are currently available through the NHS app and also display whether a person has natural immunity after contracting the disease.

Seeing as the guidance is not mandatory, organisers would not be legally required to follow the government's advice.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Boris Johnson 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, which shows proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or natural immunity as a means of entry."

In written guidance published after the press conference, the government said it "reserves the right" to force venues to require people to show their vaccine passport in order to be granted entry

Michael Kill, who runs the Night Time Industries Association, expressed his lack of enthusiasm for the latest segment of health advice.

"We have consistently opposed the use of Covid passports for access to industry events and venues, logistically it presents many issues, supported by the recent Covid status certificate report administered by government, steering us clear from the use of this method to mitigate risk."

The Prime Minister warned that the "pandemic is not over" as he outlined what he described as a "cautious approach" to relaxing restrictions.

"If we're cautious and everybody gets vaccinated, then, yes, we can make steady progress."

The Delta variant has caused a major in cases across Europe. While the UK will be lifting all restrictions after July 19, other nations have decided to reintroduce restrictions.

In the Netherlands, the Dutch government re-imposed curbs on nightclubs, music festivals and restaurants on Friday after a surge in cases, while Spain's Canary Islands have asked the government to impose curfews.

In England, people can request an NHS Covid Pass via the NHS website or the NHS app. Once logged in, an NHS Covid Pass can be requested. The system generates a QR code, which lasts for 28 days.

An NHS Covid Pass can be obtained two weeks after a second dose of the Covid vaccine, as long as both doses were given in England.

Meanwhile, in Ireland, there have been no comments from the government regarding the potential re-opening of the night-time industry.

🇬🇧In the UK: Boris Johnson has confirmed that all remaining lockdown restrictions in England will be lifted next Monday, despite a rise in #COVID19 cases

Nightclubs can reopen and there will be no limits on people attending concerts, theatres, weddings or sports events#VMNews pic.twitter.com/YvuRTV1C2k

— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) July 12, 2021