Pubs will be allowed to ban boozers who haven’t had Covid vaccine and punters may have to show proof of jab or test
PUBS are to be allowed to ban drinkers who have not had a Covid vaccination.
Punters may have to show proof of a jab or a recent negative test to get a pint.
Boris Johnson told MPs yesterday it “may be up to the landlord” — adding: “The concept of vaccine certification should not be totally alien to us.”
But Tory MPs slammed the idea of showing “papers for the pub.”
Government sources told The Sun that allowing pubs, bars and restaurants to set their own rules was within the scope of a review being led by Michael Gove and due to report back next month.
Mr Johnson had previously poured cold water on the idea of a vaccine passport being needed to nip into a boozer.
But speaking to a committee of MPs yesterday, he indicated the decision will be handed to individual businesses.
He said: “I think that’s the kind of thing that may be up to individual publicans. It may be up to the landlord.”
In Israel, the lure of pubs and bars has been used to encourage younger people to have the vaccine.
Similar plans are being studied here but will meet fierce resistance.
The Covid Research Group of 50 backbench Conservatives last night warned: “We must not fall into this ghastly trap.”
He added: “First they said we’ll need them to watch the football, and today that it may be papers for the pub.”
Pub chiefs hit out too. Greg Mulholland, chairman of the British Pub Confederation, said: “For the Government to abdicate responsibility and ask pubs to make a moral judgment — it’s just not acceptable.
“On top of having to take on extra staff to serve people at tables, the idea pubs can take on staff to act as door staff for vaccine passports is absurd.”
Pub bosses could face the choice of being half full with social distancing rules or using certificates so they can open at full capacity, The Times reports.
