Scotland’s vaccine passport scheme has been criticised by the nightlife industry
(Picture: PA)Hundreds of revellers in Scotland were refused entry to nightlife venues over the weekend as the government’s vaccine passport scheme came into effect.
A body representing hospitality venues branded the launch of the scheme an “unmitigated disaster” amid reports staff had received abuse while trying to enforce the policy.
The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) said staff have faced “intolerable levels of abuse” and some venues saw a drop in footfall of up to 40 per cent.
As part of the new measures, revellers wishing to enter nightclubs or any hospitality venue open until 5am must show proof that they are double jabbed.
The measures technically came into effect from October 1 but an 18-day grace period was announced following a backlash from affected industries and significant problems with the new app.
SHG spokesman Stephen Montgomery said: “The first weekend of the vaccine passports scheme has been one of unmitigated disaster and that responsibility lies entirely at the door of the Scottish Government.
“The Scottish Hospitality Group has been warning the government for weeks that their vaccine passports scheme is not ready but the government’s attitude has been to tell us to ‘get on with it’ whilst offering no safety net of support for businesses or our hard-working staff.
“The experience of this weekend shows that the result has been intolerable levels of abuse of our staff, and the creation of an atmosphere that will totally undermine anyone’s enjoyment of our night-time venues.”
Mr Montgomery said members of the SHG had reported 550 instances where venue staff had refused entry to a customer because they did not have a vaccine passport.
He also claimed the SHG had received a “concerning” number of reports of abuse of hospitality staff over rejections and queues at venues.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Covid-19 certification is a proportionate way of encouraging people to get vaccinated, and also of helping large events and night-time hospitality to keep operating during what will potentially be a very difficult winter.
“This means many businesses will not have to close and can continue to trade whilst making necessary adjustments to ensure their premises are as safe as possible for staff and customers.”
The move marks a departure from policy in England where plans to introduce Covid passports were scrapped last month.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced the policy – scheduled to begin on 1 October – would no longer go ahead following a rebellion by Tory backbenchers and business leaders.
