Covid passport scheme a "threat" over licensed trade industry

The introduction of vaccine certificates in clubs and some event settings is “a threat hanging over the whole of the hospitality industry, according to the Scottish Licensed Trade Assocation (SLTA).

Colin Wilkinson, SLTA managing director, said that although the suggestion is that the wider industry would not be affected, it is a most unwelcome development for the licensed trade in general.

Those over the age of 18 will need to show they have had both vaccine doses of the vaccine before they are allowed entry to nightclubs and adult entertainment venues; unseated indoor live events, with more than 500 people in the audience; unseated outdoor live events, with more than 4000 people in the audience; any event, of any nature, which has more than 10,000 people in attendance.

Mr Wilkinson continued: "We are seeing a large spike in infection rates following the general reopening of the economy when a number of sectors fully reopened and Scottish schools have been opened for two weeks, universities and colleges are about to open, but night clubs alone have been targeted with the possible introduction of a Covid status certification system at this time.

“And what is a nightclub? With a wide variety of hybrid premises in the Scottish licensed trade market, how is this defined? Many pubs, bars and hotels are larger than nightclubs and offer various entertainments. “Consultation with the industry before this announcement was made would have been helpful.

“We await the finer details of how this scheme will work and will strive to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that their introduction is seamless and easy for all involved.”