A night-time industry “already on its knees” because of the pandemic is fearing more potential harm from Omicron and the end of hospitality tax breaks.
Nightclubs have been shuttered in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as cases surge, while those that remain open in England are required to check for NHS Covid passes and have seen crowds shrink in recent weeks.
Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, the trade body representing 1,400 UK businesses including pubs, bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues, believes the “counterproductive” measures “will see a ramping up of house parties and illegal events” once again.
Sacha Lord, the co-founder of the Warehouse Project in Manchester, said the introduction of Covid passports will “absolutely kill the spontaneity” of going out, adding: “This will kill high street bars and clubs where you make a last-minute decision and pay on the door. I really fear for them.”
