Hospitality Ulster took to twitter last night (17 November) to express their ‘opposition’ to the imposing of mandatory Covid-19 Vaccine Passports.
In a statement after the executive announcement, Chief Executive Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster said:
“The decision to impose mandatory covid passports on the entire hospitality industry, without any mention of support, sends a clear signal that we are of no value or concern.”
‘Today is another day we have been singled out.”
“The majority of our sector have voiced opposition.”
“There is real concern from our industry that business owners, who are already struggling to recover and now facing the most critical period of the year, will be the ones who must be the enforcers of the scheme, and it is our staff that will face the abuse.”
“Evidence shows that this will negatively impact footfall and increase costs in the most important part of the year.”
“As the worst impacted industry, and the one singled out repeatedly for restrictions, we are facing an unknown future. Our industry will have to fight to retain staff and save businesses.”
“Hospitality Ulster will do all we can to support them, as it would appear we are on our own.”
Yesterday (17 November), Northern Ireland ministers voted in favour of introducing Covid vaccine passports, which would be needed to enter hospitality premises which serve food and drink.
Speaking to the BBC, Health Minister Robin Swann said:
“Our Covid numbers are too high and we need to forcibly push them down. Our health and social care system is under severe stress.”
Awaiting the Department of Health’s policy in how the scheme will be rolled out , Robin Swann has indicated that he would like to see enforceable Covid certification in operation from December 13th.
Proof of vaccination is not the only option for the public as negative later flow tests within the pervious 48 hours and positive PCR test taken 30 to 180 days prior to arrival at the affected businesses will be looked at.
The regulation is set to come into practice from November 29th with a 14 day ‘grace period’.
