Shoppers could be required to prove their Covid status while visiting clothes stores and other non-essential retail, under plans being considered by the Government.
Officials are reviewing the idea of whether "Covid status certificates" could help to unlock the country by allowing people to prove if they have had the jab, immunity from being infected in the past or a recent negative test.
In a report published on Monday, the Government said "there are some settings (such as essential public services, public transport and essential shops) where COVID-status certification should never be required, in order to ensure access for all."
However it gave no detail on whether they would be needed for non-essential shops, like clothes shops, book stores and electronics outlets.
Downing Street did not rule out allowing use of Covid passports in clothes shops when pressed for clarity on when the certificates would be used.
Asked whether clothes shops like H&M and Next would use Covid status certificates, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We have been clear that we will not require them as businesses reopen in stages two and three of the roadmap.
"But again the PM was clear that longer term there will some essential services such as essential retail and public transport where they will not be required."
The spokesman made it clear that Covid passports wouldn't come in before the final stage of the roadmap - after June 21.
It is understood that determining what is an essential shop or service will form part of the review.
Labour's Jonathan Ashworth accused the Government of "creating confusion" on the issue.
The Shadow Health Secretary told Sky News: "I do think it is discriminatory to say to somebody here in Leicester that you cannot go into Next or H&M unless you produce your vaccination status on an app, unless you produce that digital ID card.
"I don't think that is fair. Now if ministers are saying, that is not what the policy is then they have to explain why does the policy document they produced last night permit that scenario?
"So, there's a lot of confusion out there. I just want ministers to be honest and straight with us and tell us exactly what their policy proposals are."
The Government has said Covid certificates could "potentially play a role" in settings such as theatres, nightclubs and mass events, and might also be used in pubs and restaurants to reduce social distancing restrictions.
Boris Johnson is facing a backlash over the idea, with at least 40 Tory MPs opposed and Labour sceptical of the plan.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi admitted using Covid passports at home raised difficult ethical questions.
He told Times Radio: "We haven't even got to the stage where we have decided what we want to do on this domestically, because there are so many issues that do need careful consideration.
"Michael Gove is consulting with all stakeholders, including Parliamentarians, so we are not there yet.
"But the Prime Minister made it very clear, if we do get to that place, then of course we will go to Parliament for a vote."
