Pubs could demand a vaccine passport before letting you in
The Prime Minister suggested landlords could decide whether they'd require proof of a vaccine
Last updated 25th Mar 2021
Boris Johnson has suggested that pubs could demand to see some sort of vaccine certificate as part of easing lockdown restrictions.
The Prime Minister told the Commons Liaison Committee that it could be up to landlords to decide if coronavirus certificates are required for pubgoers.
When he was asked about possible vaccine passport for pubs, he said: "I think that's the kind of thing that may be up to individual publicans. It may be up to the landlord."
A government review into the possible use of coronavirus status certificates is underway under plans to ease England’s lockdown.
Publicans call the plans 'unworkable'
Publicans have rejected Boris Johnson’s suggestion that it could be left up to them to decide whether to use vaccine certificates.
The boss of the Shepherd Neame chain said on Thursday that making jabs mandatory for entry to pubs is a “fairly poorly thought out idea”, as ministers review the possible use of health certificates.
Trade bodies said making access conditional on jabs is “simply unworkable” and would cause “conflict” between staff and punters.
Tory lockdown sceptic Steve Baker further warned the move could create a “two-tier Britain”, while Labour frontbencher Ed Miliband said it would be wrong to leave the public health measure up to pub landlords.
The Prime Minister said on Wednesday that it “may be up to individual publicans” whether they require customers to have a “Covid vaccination certificate”.
But the use of certificates may not be as straightforward as vaccine or no vaccine, as recent negative test status may also be considered and landlords may be incentivised to employ them.
Vaccine passports a "ghastly trap"
Former minister Mr Baker, the deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory lockdown sceptics, urged the Government not to “fall into this ghastly trap”.
He added: “Whether the state legislates for it, recommends it or simply allows it, the result will be the same: a two-tier Britain that prevents pregnant women from taking part in society, given that the Government is telling them not to take the vaccine, or one where we turn back the clock and tolerate businesses turning away customers from communities which have shown an unfortunate hesitancy to take up the offer of a vaccine.”
Here are the lockdown rules that are changing from March 29th
Larger group gatherings outdoors
From 29th March the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends. For example, this means that two families of four who live in two households could meet up outside.
"Stay at Home" becomes "Stay Local"
From 29th March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government's "Stay at Home" rule will end. However, many restrictions will remain in place and people will still be encouraged to stay local. People should continue to work from home where possible and overseas travel is still not permitted in the vast majority of cases.
Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including golf courses, tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29th March.
Organised sport for adults and children
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from 29th March.
Weddings with six people
Weddings attended by 6 people are allowed from 29th March. The number of guests allowed at weddings will increase as we move further through the roadmap.
The government is reviewing the possible use of coronavirus status certificates under plans to ease England’s lockdown.
Here's the timetable for April onwards that Boris Johnson's government is working to:
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions
From 12 April, non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, theme parks and outdoor cinemas will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although you must order via table service.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen from 12 April (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups).
12 April: Self contained accommodation
Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen in Step 2 of lockdown easing, taking place on the 12th April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
STEP THREE: From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
STEP THREE: Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
STEP THREE: Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.