Pollstar (09/13/21) Gottfried, Gideon

The U.K. government has ditched plans to implement a vaccine passport mandate for visitors of clubs and events following broad criticism from multiple quarters. U.K. Health Secretary Sajid Javid told the BBC, "We've looked at it properly, and whilst we should keep it in reserve as a potential option ... we will not be going ahead with plans for vaccine passports." He cited Britain's high vaccination rate as the main factor behind this decision, but did not cite mass protests in London and in other countries like France, where vaccine passports have been imposed, as having any bearing on the new policy. The BBC reported that the key government decision-makers said the original passport plan would be kept "in reserve" should it be needed in the fall and winter, yet it is uncertain which plan they were referring to. The BBC said, "under the scheme, people would have been required to show proof — whether of double vaccination, a negative COVID test, or finishing self-isolating after a positive PCR test." "The live music industry is running its own campaigns encouraging fans to take a test before and after attendance at events, even if they have been double vaccinated," said industry body LIVE. "We would encourage other sectors that bring people together, such as pubs, restaurants, sports events, and other nightlife settings, to do likewise."

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