The hospitality industry’s rejection of Government proposals around Covid passports has been backed by the retail sector, as well as cross party opposition in Parliament.
Nonessential retailers are also planning to reopen next week, and in advance of that the British Retail Consortium alongside other retail trade bodies have firmly rejected the idea of Covid passports.
Helen Dickinson OBE, CEO, British Retail ConsortiumHelen Dickinson OBE, CEO, British Retail Consortium told the press: “While Covid status certification may play an important role in certain activities, such as international travel, our members are clear that it would not be appropriate or useful in a retail setting.”
“High streets and other shopping destinations rely on impulse and ad hoc purchases from customers who visit; this would be badly affected by the additional barriers to trade.”
With hospitality and retail drawing the the vast majority of UK high street footfall, the Government will be hard pressed to look beyond them in any recovery plan.
The Prime Minister in his press conference earlier this week did not voluntarily address Covid passports, but was questioned about them. The following day we discovered that scope to implement Covid passports had been published by the Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street. The full and unedited details of precisely what changes from 12 April were also published, and Covid passports remain on the Government’s table.
Clarity is now needed to enable businesses to know precisely what will be expected from them in the weeks and months ahead.
Copyright: All content in Hospitality & Catering News is protected by copyright.
News from the hospitality and catering industry is also being featured extensively in our Facebook and twitter social media accounts with the opportunity to engage with others in hospitality and share your views.
Hospitality & Catering News: Retail joins hospitality in rejection of Covid passports. – 8 April 2021 – Retail joins hospitality in rejection of Covid passports.