THE UK’s biggest nightclub chain, which owns brands including Pryzm and Eden, won’t use Covid passports after July 19.
Nightclub group Rekom confirmed customers will not have to show Covid certification on entry when venues fully reopen, despite government advice.
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Health Secretary Sajid Javid yesterday confirmed that stage four of the roadmap out of lockdown will go ahead next week.
However, he warned that the pandemic is not over and said Brits should remain cautious as the country moves closer towards normality.
The government is asking the owners of large venues to consider asking visitors to show Covid passports at the door.
Mr Javid said the government will publish guidance “encouraging businesses and large events to use certification in high risk settings to limit the risk of spreading the infection”.
This would involve clubbers proving they have had both jabs or a negative Covid test before entering.
However, Rekom, which owns 42 nightclubs across the UK, including Pryzm, Bar&Beyond, Eden and Fiction, won’t ask customers to share their Covid status.
Chief executive Peter Marks said he was “thrilled” to be able to reopen next Monday at full capacity.
Rekom’s venues will not have “any requirement for a negative Covid test”, Marks said.
He said the passport would “create a barrier to both customer enjoyment and getting the industry back on its feet”.
Mr Marks added: “We’re able to open in this way because nightclubs in particular are among the best equipped venues in the hospitality sector, and indeed were even prior to the pandemic, for the exact safety measures that are required to reduce the spread of the virus.
“These include air ventilation systems in all our venues which change air every five minutes on average, sanitisation stations throughout all our clubs, increased frequency of cleaning schedules compared to before the pandemic, and highly trained staff and experienced door staff who are well-versed in crowd management protocols.
“Together, these measures mean that clubs are well placed to open and provide unforgettable nights out once again.”
Last night the Night Time Industries Association said the government was right not to force venues to ask for Covid passports.
NTIA chief executive Michael Kill said: “Much of the night time economy relies on spontaneous consumers, and by permitting businesses to opt out, the Government have allowed for this trade to continue.”
Clubbers may have to show their coronavirus status through the main NHS app, not the Covid app, at venues that decide to follow the new guidance.
The certification has been piloted through the Events Research Programme.
However, Brits won’t have to wear face coverings in nightclubs as the end of mandatory mask wearing has been extended to the sector.
The Health Secretary also confirmed yesterday that the wearing of face masks will be “encouraged” on public transport, but won’t be mandatory from Monday.
He revealed that the easing of restrictions will be reviewed by September 23, sparking fears that strict rules could return if hospitalisations and deaths spike.
Furloughed workers have been warned about “fire and rehire” threat as wage help winds up.
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