‘Alarming’ prospect of vaccine passport expansion in Scotland

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the rules may need to be tightened in order to prevent another lockdown, which could also include the requirement for face covering to be used in more settings and increased numbers of people working from home.

Currently, people over the age of 18 need to show proof of vaccination in order to enter nightclubs and other large events. However, Swinney has now told MPs that the range of venues required to check vaccine status to be expanded to include 'further indoor hospitality and leisure settings'.

UKHospitality Scotland executive director Leon Thompson said: “The imposition of vaccine passports on businesses operating in the night-time economy has had a catastrophic impact on their ability to trade.

“Many have removed themselves from scope by closing early, whilst nightclubs report falling attendance as people stay away or are refused entry due to lack of certification.

Thompson added that Scottish Government ministers should meet urgently with hospitality representatives to share their evidence for any such move.

“The extension of this poorly conceived and badly executed policy has the potential to destroy many businesses that are already struggling, having been subjected to more than 18 months of closure and restricted opening.”

Any changes will be confirmed at the next review of Scotland’s restrictions on 16 November.