56% of consumers support vaccine passports for pub entry

In fact, this was the second most popular choice for the 1,715 adults who participated in the research to outline which outlets should implement vaccine passport policies. 

Ahead of pubs and bars were care homes (72%) and gyms (also 56%). Cinemas were just behind (55%) as were restaurants (53%).

Half (50%) of those surveyed think proof of vaccination should be shown when visiting beauty and nail salons, 48% said it should be the case at hairdressers and barbers while 45% were in favour of vaccine passports when travelling on public transport.

For other areas of hospitality, 44% said coffee shops should require proof of the injection and a third (33%) believe customers visiting pub gardens should have to prove they have had the vaccine.

Meanwhile, 40% of respondents want the proof when visiting large indoor shopping centres, 35% said at non-essential shops, 31% at supermarkets and 29% for garden centres.

YouGov revealed those aged 65 and above tended to be most in favour of public spaces using a vaccine passport system as three quarters (76%) support them for pubs and bars compared to almost half (48%) of 18 to 24-year-olds.

Vaccine passport review

The survey found overall, 58% of Brits would support the introduction of a vaccine passport system as soon as possible and while the roll out is still ongoing. This included 28% who strongly support the idea. However, about a third (34%) would be opposed to the idea.

Last month (February), the Government revealed it was set to conduct a review into the possibility of using vaccine passports for entry into pubs​.

If the review is signed off on Covid status certificates, it could mean pubs could prevent customers for entry if they are unable to give evidence they have received the vaccine or tested negative for the virus.

In the House of Commons on Monday 22 February, Johnson said: “The third review will consider the potential role of Covid status certification in helping venues to open safely.

“We are mindful of the many concerns surrounding the exclusion, discrimination and privacy. There may well be a role of certification but we just need to get it right.”

The four reviews include looking at current social distancing measures alongside how to increase international travel and large events.

Deep and complex issues

Speaking the next day (Tuesday 23 February), Johnson said it was an area that was a novelty for the country, never having to deal with something like this before.

He added: “We’ve never thought in terms of having something you have to show to go to a pub or theatre.

“So there are deep and complex issues we need to explore, ethical issues about what the role is for Government in mandating people to have such a thing or indeed, banning people from doing such a thing. There are complex issues we need to work out.

“We can’t be discriminatory against people who, for whatever reason, can’t have the vaccine – there might be medical reasons why people can’t have the vaccine or some people may genuinely refuse to have one.

“Now I think that’s a mistake, I think everybody should have a vaccine but we need to thrash this all out.”