Nightclubs to reopen without Covid tests or 'vaccine passports'
The Evening Standard reports that Michael Gove, who is currently leading a Government review of how Covid-status certification could play a role in the full reopening of the economy, is understood to believe it would impose 'too much hassle' on the public and businesses to require tests for night-time venues.
It is hoped that nightclubs, many of which have been forced to remain closed since the start of the pandemic, will finally be able to reopen on 19 July when social distancing restrictions are set to be dropped.
A Government source said: “We are increasingly confident that people are protected and the plan is to reopen everything, with no exceptions.”
The verdict was hailed as a 'godsend' by leaders of the night-time sector.
It follows the success of pilot schemes, including one at a nightclub, which showed 'no substantial outbreaks' and strong compliance with mitigation measures.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: “If you are in a late-night London pub and thinking of going on to the club around the corner, there’s a good chance that having to take a test would make you question whether to bother."
Ministers could revisit the idea of Covid-status certification for access to indoor hospitality and entertainments this winter if a surge of infections threatens Christmas openings.
