What could vaccine passports mean for the music industry?

In order for mass gatherings to go ahead, the government is considering introducing measures including vaccine passports, which an individual would be able to use to show they had been vaccinated against coronavirus. 

Pilot schemes will include the FA Cup Final, and will run until mid-May. 

But many in the music industry have raised concerns that such a scheme would prevent young people - many of whom will not have been offered the vaccine by the summer - from attending live events.

Others have pointed out that those who are unable to get the vaccine for health reasons may face discrimination. 

Michael Kill, CEO of the Nighttime Industries Association, said: 'The additional barriers around mandatory vaccination certificates to gain access to businesses within the sector is unworkable, and would cause further anxiety for operators, creating more barriers to businesses, and potential conflict between staff and customers, as well as being discriminatory, given that the core of our market will not have been given the opportunity to have the vaccine by the time the roadmap engages the sector.'

Stephanie Sirr, president of UK Theatre, also expressed her concern, describing passports as 'potentially quite unfair'. 'Probably about 30% of our audience is under 26 and they're not being vaccinated until the autumn,' she said.

The government has yet to vote on whether or not vaccine passports will be implemented - but with 'dozens' of MPs already criticising the plans, it looks like that an alternative solution should be found.