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Live music and events industry remains in the dark

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has left the live music industry in the dark over vaccine passports and events insurance schemes. 

In July, Johnson said that by the end of September, only fully vaccinated people would be able to enter nightclubs and other venues. However, The Telegraph reported that UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid wrote in a leaked letter that a final decision on vaccine passports has not yet been made. 

The Prime Minister originally said: “I can serve notice now that by the end of September when all over 18s will have had their chance to be doubled jabbed, we’re planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather.

“Proof of a negative test will no longer be enough.” 

Steve Sayer, vice-president and general manager at the O2 Arena in London, said that the full vaccination or no entry rule would be surprising if it actually came in. He said that “it goes against everything the government has talked about in terms of ensuring that any mitigations are fairly applied and don’t discriminate against one group or another”. 

Michael Kill chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association added: “Contrary to popular belief, much of our core market and workforce will not accept being coerced into taking the vaccine. The workforce is shrinking and illegal events are being organised today in light of the impending restrictions.” 

Vaccine passports are not the only worry for the live music and entertainment industry, as there are reports that some companies do not have confidence in the Live Events Reinsurance Shceme, which was announced at the start of August.

The £750m scheme was developed with insurance market Lloyd’s and will be available to events organisers to cover themselves if there is a government-enforced cancellation. 

Image: Rahul Kukreja on Unsplash