Prime Minister suggests pubs could be allowed to request proof of vaccination before entry

The Prime Minister told the Commons Liaison Committee on Wednesday, March 24 that it may be left up to “individual publicans” as to whether they can ask people for domestic vaccine passports to enter.

It is understood that the Government is currently reviewing the possibility of introducing a document which would provide proof that a person has either been vaccinated against the virus or has tested negative.

Combining the two is said to be one option being considered to avoid discriminating against those who decline to have the Covid jab.

When asked if “Covid vaccine certification” could be required for pub-goers, Mr Johnson replied: “I think that that’s the kind of thing, it may be up to individual publicans, it may be up to the landlord.”

The Prime Minister also told MPs that the “concept of vaccine certification should not be totally alien to us” as he referred to the requirement of doctors to be vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Boris Johnson’s suggestion of a vaccine passport has been met with opposition from the hospital sector, with the British Beer and Pub Association highlighting that the industry has already gone to “extraordinary lengths”.

A spokesperson said: “Our sector has already gone to extraordinary lengths to prepare for reopening and we do not believe a requirement for pubs to check whether someone has had the vaccine would be appropriate or necessary.

“We will continue to work closely with the Government in developing guidelines for a safe and sustainable reopening in April and May.”

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