Anger over vaccine ID proposal for hospitality
The hospitality industry has reacted angrily to suggestions that proof of vaccination could be needed to enter hospitality venues in Northern Ireland .
It has been reported that Stormont could follow the Republic of Ireland in bringing in vaccine passports after Northern Ireland’s chief scientific advisor said the rules there had helped them achieve a higher vaccination rate.
Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster told LCN: “Once again we are hearing about suggestions through the media and there has been no input from us.
“They are saying the Republic’s proof of vaccine, which has only been going around a week, proves it is an incentive for young people to get vaccinated.
“Removing people’s civil liberties is not an incentive, giving tickets away for Féile and Shine is an incentive… this is not.”
The Department of Health said the issue was one that needed to be considered by all executive ministers however the Hospitality Ulster chief said there had been no consultation with the industry on the proposal.
He added: Why has there been no engagement? We are willing to discuss these issues but when we last met the the First and Deputy First Minister, just over a week ago, and asked about this they said all proposals come from the department of health and they rejected our call for a meeting.
“We are happy to discuss all proposals and to see how they might work but there are massive complications and we should be consulted
“The other question is why just hospitality? Why not transport or education facilities? What happens if it doesn’t work, if already struggling businesses go to the wall because of this? Where is the liability? There are lots of complications and the consequences could be massive. Will blackmailing people work?”
Since reopening indoor hospitality on July 26 the Republic of Ireland requires people to prove they have received both jabs or have recovered from Covid-19 to enter indoor venues and a similar scheme for entry to nightclubs is set to come in in England from September.
However, Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston, below, told LCN the Department of Health here needed to improve engagement with young people to increase vaccination uptake.
He explained: “The lack of consultation on an announcement is nothing new to be honest but as far as I can see all the advertising around encouraging young people to get the jab has been in traditional media like the Belfast Telegraph and the Sunday Life. Most young people don’t read newspapers. This is a failure at departmental level.
“Sixty percent of our staff are under 32 and 72% of our customers and under 44 so we have a fairly good understanding of this demographic.
“A better PR and marketing approach may be needed and I’d favour education and encouragement rather than the stick.”
The Galgorm MD, who counts Galgorm Resort, The Rabbit, Fratelli’s, Café Parisien and The Old Inn among their stable of venues, added: “We need an open and collaborative approach. I know they are trying to do good, and ultimately hospitality will go along with whatever is asked of it.
“It’s going to be a difficult winter but the economy does have to go on and throwaway comments don’t help. We should be having a calm discussion and coming up with fully formed solutions after that.”
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