September 29, 2021 | By Bronwen Largier
Just weeks after saying that it would scrap them, the UK Government is seeking input from the events industry on the possible implementation of vaccine passports as it looks to solidify its emergency “Plan B” for if COVID-19 gets out of control over the British autumn and winter.
In its call for submissions, the Government says it’ll give organisers “at least one week’s notice” to implement vaccine passports at events, should it come to that.
The deadline for feedback has been set as October 11, however the call-out notes, somewhat worryingly, “we encourage stakeholders to submit views as quickly as possible in case there is need to introduce certification, as part of Plan B, at short notice”.
The likely short notice of the implementation of vaccine passports means organisers will need to put resources into planning for the mandate to take effect regardless of what happens over the next six months.
The Government has indicated that vaccine passports are likely to be required for indoor events of 500 people or more, outdoor events with more than 4,000 attendees, any event with more than 10,000 attendees and any venue open after 1am with alcohol, music and dancing.