British trade body UK Music and Festival Republic owner Melvin Benn have signed a letter to U.K. Government backing the use of COVID certificates to help bring back the live industry. Signatories also include many in the theater world.
The letter backs the use of COVID status certification that would confirm those attending events have either been vaccinated, have a negative COVID test or an antibody test. “We are clear that this approach must not rely only on proof of vaccination, and also that it must only be a temporary measure, only used for as long as necessary,” it continues.
The letter adds that the approach “must not be discriminatory, should protect privacy, and have clear exit criteria,” concluding: “If all this holds true, then we are very much supportive of the continued exploration of this possibility to bring life back to normal as soon as possible.”
Other signees include Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Simon Rattle, conductor and Music Director at the London Symphony Orchestra.
The use of COVID passports or certificates has stirred some controversy in the U.K., with critics from the entertainment and hospitality sector saying the idea could be discriminatory and infringe on freedom.
