Pub landlords could be allowed to require customers to provide proof they are vaccinated against coronavirus, according to Boris Johnson.
While the government has resisted calls for mandatory vaccine “passports” to allow access to particular venues, the PM suggested - once lockdown restrictions are lifted - operators would be within their rights to demand proof of vaccination from customers.
Asked if a vaccine certificate could be required to enter a pub in the House of Commons Liaison Committee, Mr Johnson said: “I think that that’s the kind of thing – it may be up to individual publicans, it may be up to the landlord.”
He also said on Wednesday tougher border restrictions with France may be needed “very soon” to prevent the import of mutant Covid strains.
The PM said putting the country on the “red list” was “something that we will have to look at” due to concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccines against new variants.
Meanwhile over in Italy, millions of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines have been found after police raided a pharmaceuticals plant outside of Rome, amid a row between the EU and UK over shortfalls in deliveries.
In other vaccine news, Brussels said export controls were necessary to stop European pharmaceutical companies sending their jabs abroad when they are needed in Europe.
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- Britain and the EU must compromise on vaccines to beat coronavirus
- Lockdown roadmap dates: Which rules change on 29 March?
