One of West Lothian’s most popular venues has hit out at the Scottish Government’s suggestions that the vaccine passport scheme could be extended to include theatres and cinemas.
The Regal Reconnect in Bathgate says extending the scheme so proof of vaccination is required would put massive financial pressure on small businesses.
Vaccine passports are already required for anyone entering a nightclub or attending mass events like football games and concerts and Nicola Sturgeon said last week that the Scottish Government is considering doing the same for other areas of the entertainment and hospitality industry.
Christopher McPhillips, head of marketing at Reconnect Regal and said he doesn’t believe the passport scheme is of any real use in fighting the spread of the virus.
He continued: “We would be delighted to check for covid passports if the Scottish Government wants to fund the two staff positions we would require to implement this policy.
“Given that the current vaccines neither cure Covid-19 nor stops anyone from carrying Covid-19 we fail to understand why this should be required or in fact is of any practical use. Home testing would be far more effective.
“Placing financial pressure on small businesses and charities to police the behaviour of the public isn’t something we or any business or charity can pay for.
“Matters of vaccination and testing should be the responsibility of the individual; not something business operators, charities or anyone else should be enforcing.”
Another popular theatre, Howden park Centre in Livingston, said the scheme will lead to higher costs, but operator West Lothian Leisure is pleased to be able to keep the venue open and shoes running.
Mark Chambers, head of corporate services, said: “Following this announcement, we are now actively planning to make sure we are able to respond - assuming these arrangements are confirmed.
“Our customers and our employees safety has been our priority throughout the pandemic and will continue to be so.
“Whilst the proposed changes will require new arrangements to be put in place which are likely to incur additional cost, the upside is we will be able to keep the theatre open and more importantly be able to stage our popular Christmas pantomime run. Ticket sales for Bairns in the Wood, which starts on December 3 have been very strong, despite the ongoing uncertainty – protecting this ticket income is vitally important to the financial sustainability of the theatre.
“We will continue to aim to provide the best possible experience for all our customers whilst operating within the guidance that is provided by the Scottish Government.”
In a statement at Holyrood last week, Ms Sturgeon said a decision will be made tomorrow
she said: “I can confirm that at our meeting earlier today the Cabinet agreed to keep the current regulations in place, with no immediate changes.
“However, we also considered - though we have not yet reached final decisions on - the possibility of future changes to the covid certification scheme and I will say more about that shortly.
“I should also say that we would provisionally intend for any changes we do decide on to the scheme to take effect from December 6.”
She added: “We are also considering whether an expansion of the scheme to cover more settings would be justified and prudent given the current state of the pandemic.
“However, to allow us to engage openly with businesses in the coming days about the pros, cons and practicalities, I can confirm that the kinds of settings that might be in scope would be indoor cinemas, theatres, and some other licensed and hospitality premises.
“But all of our decisions are motivated by a desire to get through what will be a challenging winter without having to re-introduce any restrictions on trade. We want if possible businesses to stay fully open over Christmas and through the winter, while also keeping Covid under control.
“If an expansion of Covid certification can help us do that, it would be irresponsible not to consider it.”
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