PUBS might require customers to provide proof they are vaccinated against coronavirus when they are able to reopen.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Commons Liaison Committee it may be left up to individual publicans as to whether they ask punters for vaccine passports to enter venues.
Ministers are currently reviewing the possibility of introducing a document providing proof that a person has either been vaccinated against the virus or tested negative as part of the drive to return to normality.
Combining the two is understood to be one option being considered to avoid discriminating against those who decline the jab for health or other reasons.
Conservative MP William Wragg, chairman of the Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, asked the Prime Minister if Covid vaccine certification could be required for pub-goers.
Mr Johnson replied: “I think that that’s the kind of thing – it may be up to individual publicans, it may be up to the landlord.”
Here’s how Oxford Mail readers reacted to the news that proof of vaccination may be required for drinkers.
Suzy Pickering: "Can’t see that happening given half the staff won’t have even had the opportunity to be vaccinated by the time the pubs reopen."
Kirsty Goodale: "As long as it represents the age group of those being vaccinated. No point banning youngsters when they can’t get the vaccine yet."
Karen Williamson: "Won’t happen. Young staff okay to work the bars but not be served by them? Non-starter."
Natalie Garrington: "At the landlord’s discretion. Pretty sure no pub landlord is going to choose to do this and turn away potential customers after being shut for so long and not having any income."
Vikki Davies-Smith: "More pubs will close then."
Tiffany Kent: "Not if you go to the right pubs."
Andy Morris: "If it keeps the under-25s out of my local then bring it on."
Graham Adams: "Good idea, brilliant."
Roberto Losito: "Never going to happen."
Alessandro Giaciglio: "How’s it possible?"
Adam Heppell: "You ask for a pint, barman/maid asks to see proof of vaccination, you don’t have one, you don’t get a pint... simple as that."
"You can go out, but not to a pub if you have not been vaccinated.
"If this policy comes into force, just send your grandad to the bar to get drinks."
Kristiane Caitlin: "This policy is absolutely ludicrous."
Cat Carter: "Don’t you only get a little paper card as proof? Easily lost too or damaged."
Dylan Driscoll: "Great for all the old people then."
Phil Pieri: "Still won’t stop the spread of the virus, nothing can."
Deb Anderson: "What next? Sample of DNA? Mother’s shoe size? Bloody stupid."
The Real Wobbler: Fair play. But does need clear guidance from Government, none of this we’ll leave it up to others. You have the specialists, make a decision."
Inconsequential noise: "Out of interest, is anyone looking forward to going to a Covid friendly pub?"
Witney Green: "Landlords could indeed ask patrons to provide proof of vaccine status before serving them a pint, just as Tesco could indeed ask shoppers for the same before selling them some bananas.
"But it will be approximately ten minutes before someone sues under the Equality Act 2010. As with the law on masks, some people are exempt. Some are unable to be vaccinated due to health or disability, some object for religious reasons, and others won’t be vaccinated for some time due to their age."
Leigh Butler: "It's safer in a pub than a shop, I've always said it."
Joanne Tutton: "I've already had the vaccine, but if I hadn't then I wouldn't wait to go to the pub."
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