Hospitality industry critical of 'lack of clarity' around Covid-19 vaccine passport scheme

By Q Radio News

The hospitality industry has criticised Stormont for a lack of clarity around the Covid-19 vaccine passport scheme which will come info effect next week.

From Monday November 29 customers in pubs, restaurants and nightclubs will have to show a vaccine passport or a negative lateral flow test or proof of infection in the past six months and Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster Colin Neill said the industry was still waiting for direction from Stormont on how the system will operate.

“We understand that the technology is ready from Monday, but that the legislation is lagging behind," Mr Neill said.

"We need direction.

"There is a huge amount of concern around this scheme and it will be our industry that will be criticised for not implementing it from early next week.

“We need to know the detail around, for example, if proof of vaccine needs to be shown at point of entry or point of service?"

Mr Neil said staff in the industry were already subject to abuse and there are concerns this will worsen.

He also called on the Executive to provide financial support for businesses to implement the scheme.

There is a two-week grace period before the enforcement of fines up to £1,000 for non-compliance.

Colin Neil added:

“How are businesses expected to prepare, how are staff to be trained and rotas changed?

"The vast majority of hospitality businesses will not have budgeted for this.

"Are they just expected to absorb the costs?

"How long will that be expected to last?

"The Executive really needs to bring forward an urgent financial package to be able to support this move.”

25-11-21 UPDATE: Still NO Goverment regulations published. ATM the legal requirement starts 29th with enforcement 13th Dec. Again, we apologise that we are unable to answer the numerous questions we are receiving and we will issue detailed guidance ASAP.#HospitalityMatters pic.twitter.com/AlcBWHF4HV

— Hospitality Ulster (@HospUlster) November 25, 2021

 
The Stormont Executive voted earlier this month to introduce mandatory vaccine passports, despite DUP opposition.

The DUP had called for a vote in the Assembly before the policy is introduced.

Making vaccine certification a legal entry requirement for hospitality venues has been credited with driving up vaccination rates among young people in the Republic.

Both the Northern Ireland chief medical officer and the head of the vaccination programme have said there has been a jump in the number of people coming forward for their jab after the Executive voted in favour of the passport scheme.

(Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive Colin Neill)