The boss of Pryzm has slammed government plans to make coronavirus vaccine passports mandatory at nightclubs, adding they could leave people inclined to “stay later in the pubs and hold their parties in their houses”.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi announced proof of full vaccination will be required as a condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues from the autumn.

Mr Zahawi said a negative Covid-19 test would soon “no longer be sufficient” proof that a person was Covid-safe, adding by the end of September everyone aged 18 and over will have had the opportunity to be jabbed.

Nightclubs were allowed to open without social distancing and compulsory face coverings for the first time in over a year on Monday and are currently only encouraged to ask clubbers to show proof of vaccination, a negative test result or immunity.

Responding to the government's announcement, Peter Marks, CEO of REKOM UK, operators of Pryzm Watford, said: “To say we are disappointed by this Government’s U-turn is an understatement.

“Nightclubs have the best air ventilation systems in hospitality retail and most other settings-with changing air on average every five minutes.  Who else does that? 

“We can sanitise and clean just like any other venue and there is no difference between a club and most pubs at midnight.”

Mr Marks added that it “should be down to individual risk assessments in line with the specialist scientific advice we have received,” and felt it is becoming more a political issue than perhaps it initially seemed to be.

He continued: “We are no more than a political football.  Mandatory Covid passports may make sense once the entire adult population has been offered vaccines, but does government really think this threat will entice the vaccine wary to take the vaccine? 

“They will just stay later in the pubs and hold their parties in their houses.”