Pubs, cinemas, sports venues could ban people who haven't had a Covid-19 vaccine says minister

Restaurants, bars and cinemas may turn customers away if they have not had a Covid jab, the new minister for the mass vaccine roll-out suggested tonight.

Nadhim Zahawi indicated that although an injection would be voluntary, some venues – including sports grounds – might insist on proof of one in return for granting entry.

The minister said individuals would have to decide for themselves but would be given the 'strong message' that jabs were good for their family, community and country.

Some experts tonight said they were uneasy about such schemes and raised concerns over data privacy and human rights.

The UK has put in orders for early access to 357million doses of seven coronavirus vaccines. And on a visit to a pharmaceutical company yesterday Boris Johnson said it was possible that one of the jabs could be available 'in a few weeks'.

The imminent prospect of a huge vaccination drive raises questions over whether those waiting for a jab – or refusing to have one – will enjoy fewer freedoms than those who have protection. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said last night: 'For a long time now we've been looking at the questions that Mr Zahawi was talking about and the question of what's the impact on the individual in terms of what they can do.'

MPs will today give their verdict on the Prime Minister's new coronavirus tiers. Although the plans are likely to pass, Mr Johnson is facing a revolt from Tories angry about the stringent restrictions.

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