Covid passports would create chaos, industry has warned

The hospitality sector would be unable to cope with the introduction of Covid passports as it lacks the technology to scan the QR codes, it has been reported.

Government guidance issued this week encourages venues, including pubs and restaurants and nightclubs to ask customers for an NHS Covid pass from next Monday, but the scheme has been labelled “unworkable” with concerns passports could also be faked.

It is understood that an app to allow businesses to scan QR codes will be released on Saturday – just two days before the new guidance takes effect – but industry sources have said many operators do not have QR code readers and questioned whether staff would need to use their own personal phones, The Telegraph has reported.

Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, said it was “just another reason why this scheme is totally unworkable”.

“Without being able to scan the QR code, it makes it very difficult to prove this person’s actual Covid status. I wonder if they plan to have the technology in place in order to make Covid passports mandatory later this year?

“It won’t work on the door and I don’t know a single one of my members who will be ready to do this on Monday.”

A government spokesman said: “The verifier app will be available for download in app stores by Saturday, alongside full guidance to organisations and venues on how to use both the NHS app and verifier app.”