Nightclubs advised to seek vaccination status

Nightclubs and other event organisers have been advised to ask for proof that revellers have had two jabs or tested negative for Covid.

Secretary Sajid Javid encouraged event organisers to require attendees to show so-called vaccine passports.

The guidance is not mandatory, so organisers would not be legally required to follow it.

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.”

However 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 allowed in.

Peter Marks, CEO of Rekom UK, said the nightclub operator would not be asking for vaccine passports at its doors when it reopens.

He said he was “thrilled” nightclubs would be able to reopen “at full capacity and without any requirement for a negative Covid test, something we believe would create a barrier to both customer enjoyment and getting the industry back on its feet”.

Marks added: “We’re able to open in this way because nightclubs in particular are among the best equipped venues in the hospitality sector, and indeed were even prior to the pandemic, for the exact safety measures that are required to reduce the spread of the virus.

“These include air ventilation systems in all our venues which change air every five minutes on average, sanitisation stations throughout all our clubs, increased frequency of cleaning schedules compared to before the pandemic, and highly trained staff and experienced door staff who are well-versed in crowd management protocols.

“Together, these measures mean that clubs are well placed to open and provide unforgettable nights out once again.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, told MCA yesterday she thought mandatory Covid certification was highly unlikely.

In terms of its workability, she said it would be “totally and utterly impractical” as pilot mass events had shown.