69% of nightlife businesses say Covid Status Certification would be damaging

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has surveyed 700 businesses in the Night-Time Economy about Covid Status Certification, which refers to the possible use of measures like rapid testing and vaccine passports to allow people into venues upon reopening.

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The results indicate that 70 per cent of Night-Time Economy businesses feel negative testing or immunity proofing are not necessary to open their event or premises safely.

69 per cent of businesses surveyed said they felt Covid Status Certification would have a damaging impact on their business.

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Speaking about the survey, Michael Kill, CEO NTIA, says: “The confirmation that outdoor hospitality will open on the 12th April in line with the Government's strategy is welcomed, but there remain deep concerns over the measures required for all businesses to reopen on the 21st June without social contact.”

“The positive news from the Roadmap has been overshadowed by the potential impact of Covid Status Certificates being implemented by the Government for businesses to allow for the ease of social contact restrictions, with the overwhelming majority of UK nightlife sector believing the measures will have a detrimental impact on trade.”

“There is a stark disparity between the way that night time economy businesses and other industries are being treated by the Government, made even clearer by the Prime Minister’s suggestion that pubs, restaurants, hotels, and public transport will be excluded from proposed measures presented around Covid Status Certification.”

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“If retail, supermarkets, public transport, hotels, pubs and restaurants are excluded from the use of Covid Status Certification, with many of these businesses displaying similar contact and proximity environments, why would nightclubs and other environments be expected to ask customers to present Covid Status Certification as a prerequisite or requirement of entry?”

“Initial feedback from consumers is that many are not comfortable using health information to gain access to venues or events in the UK, and the use of certification will discourage customers from attending these environments in the future.”

“Businesses are likewise frustrated at the way in which the Government is communicating these potential restrictions - with many feeling a considerable number of questions left unanswered. These businesses have suffered extreme financial hardship for over 12 months and are desperate to open, but they have been left feeling uncertain once again following a Government announcement.”

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Editor, follow him on Twitter

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