Scotland’s controversial Covid passport comes into force

Scotland’s controversial Covid passport comes into force today, Monday, October 18.

Scottish citizens will now have to show proof of being double jabbed-unless exempt- to enter clubs and large events. The scheme comes into force today after being delayed by objections from business leaders in the hospitality sector.

The measures technically came into effect from October 1, however, an 18-day grace period was announced following not only because of backlash from affected industries but due to significant problems with the new app.

Defending the action, the Scottish Government said the “limited scheme” will allow venues to stay open and prevent any further restrictions during the challenging winter period. The Scottish public will now have to provide proof that they are double jagged for entry to all late-night venues open after midnight with alcohol, music and dancing.

The new law affects all, unseated indoor live events with more than 500 people in the audience, all unseated outdoor live events, with more than 4,000 people in the audience and any event which has more than 10,000 people in attendance.

“The grace period allowed venues and businesses affected more than two weeks to test the scheme in practice and make suitable arrangements. It has also provided the Government with helpful feedback from the sectors affected and we continue to liaise with them going forward. This is a very limited scheme and we hope this will allow businesses to remain open and prevent any further restrictions as we head into autumn and winter.

“This virus has not gone away and vaccine certification will have a role to play in keeping transmission under control as part of a wider package of measures. It adds a further layer of protection in certain higher-risk settings. I also want to ensure that as many people get vaccinated as possible and particularly to increase uptake in the younger age cohort, so anything to incentivise that is helpful,” said Health secretary Humza Yousaf.

Council officers will be responsible for enforcement of the certification scheme, which will apply to the person responsible for each venue.

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