The hospitality, sporting, entertainment and arts industries are all on their knees and close to collapse. The only way they can safely and quickly open their doors and avoid reduced numbers is if they can reassure their customers they are Covid safe.
That Michael Gove and other officials have declared that there is no requirement to have proof of vaccination means that these industries will continue to be hampered indefinitely. Proof of having had the vaccine is the only safe and right way to ensure these industries move quickly to open at maximum capacity and achieve financial stability.
There is no issue, in my mind, that people should have the choice whether they have the vaccine or not, but if they choose not to have it they should not be allowed to jeopardise the progress of these industries. They should simply be banned from these venues as the price they pay for not having had the vaccine.
Claude Keith
Editor’s reply
Dear Claude
I certainly think people should take the vaccine but don’t agree vaccination should be compulsory to go to a pub, restaurant or football match. Not only would it feel unpleasantly authoritarian but it wouldn’t be practical either, given it’s likely to be many months before most people, particularly the young, get the opportunity to have the vaccine. Barring them from hospitality and sports in the meantime would cripple firms that have survived so far.
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor
Vaccine boost for Remainers
The Government has ordered 40 million vaccine doses to be trucked in from Belgium. This is the same Government with the cheek to remind us that “time is running out” with regards to Brexit. Still, whatever vaccine does reach these shores may benefit Remainers, as Brexiteers will likely think nothing good can come from Brussels!
Peter Williams
