Vaccine passport scheme WON'T be extended by Scottish Government
BREAKING NEWS: The First Minister says the Scottish Government won't be extending the vaccine certification scheme to the likes of pubs, restaurants and cinemas.
Last updated 23rd Nov 2021
The First Minister has announced that the Scottish Government won't be extending the vaccine passport scheme.
In addition, from December 6th businesses which are required to ask customer for proof of vaccination will be able to accept a negative lateral flow test instead.
We are currently required to prove our vaccine status in order to enter nightclubs and large scale events such as football games with over 10,000 people in attendance.
There had been speculation that other hospitality venues, as well as cinemas and theatres would now also have to check customers for 'vaccine passports'.
But today the FM has confirmed that isn't the plan at the moment.
The First Minister said the extension of the scheme would "not be proportionate", given its impact on businesses.
"This was a very finely balanced decision," she said in Holyrood.
"However, I can confirm that at this stage we have decided not to extend the scope of the scheme.
"We have taken account of the fact that - although our situation is precarious - cases are currently stable and indeed slightly declining; and we have considered the inevitable impact vaccine certification has on the operation of businesses; and concluded that, at this stage, extension would not be proportionate.
"We were also mindful of the need over the coming weeks of getting across the message that it is important to be vaccinated and tested ahead of socialising in any setting - including in homes and shopping centres, for example - not just in those that might be covered by a certification scheme."