Covid passports 'devastating' for nightclubs

New rules requiring people to have Covid passports to enter nightclubs in England will come into force in a week's time, the government has said.

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The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) said it would have a "devastating impact" on the sector.

It also questioned whether the move was an attempt to distract attention from a "damaging story about the Downing Street Christmas party".

Number 10 was approached for comment.

New coronavirus rules will come into force next week which include a recommendation for people to work from home, as well as Covid certification to enter large venues and nightclubs.

The guidance to work from home will apply from Monday 13 December, while the ruling on nightclubs will come into force on Wednesday 15 December.

It affects indoor venues holding more than 500 people and outdoor venues with a capacity of more than 4,000.

A negative lateral flow test will also be acceptable.

Covid passes, which have been implemented in Scotland and Wales, have caused a 30% and 26% drop-off in trade respectively, NTIA chief executive Michael Kill said.

"Vaccine passports will have a devastating impact on a sector already so bruised by the pandemic," Mr Kill said.

A government report in June found that vaccine passports could have effects including discouraging people from attending venues. It concluded that, at the time, the impact of bringing them in would be out of proportion to the public health benefits.