A BRADFORD MP says vaccine passports for pubs would be a "bureaucratic nightmare" and are "completely unacceptable", with one landlady claiming the industry is being used as a "political football".

But the owner of a city centre bar thinks it could work in theory.

Coronavirus health certificates are being touted by some ministers as a way of controlling the virus as lockdown is eased.

A system using these would mean access to venues would only be granted if customers have been jabbed, received negative tests, or developed antibodies through past infection.

Conservative backbenchers, publicans and some scientists have raised concerns about the idea, including Shipley MP Philip Davies.

He is "absolutely opposed" to any form of a vaccine passport and described them as "discriminatory and completely and utterly pointless."

The MP added: "It would be a bureaucratic nightmare for establishments to police it.

"It's discriminatory against people, those who don't need the vaccine.

"Young people don't need to be vaccinated, because chances are they won't be affected badly.

"It's also discriminatory against pregnant women who are not allowed to have the vaccine.

"It's completely unacceptable and necessary."

The vaccine passports would be in place for a multitude of venues, but much of the discussion has focused on pubs and bars.

Bev Clarkson, landlady at The Alexandra pub in Idle, questions why the industry is potentially being hit with yet more hoops to jump through and admits she would not support the system.

She said: "Firstly, why is the whole narrative restricted to just pubs when there are countless other sectors that the principle would apply to?

"Perhaps pubs have become the political football around Covid.

"That aside, I think the concept is another example of good intention and a tiny little bit of thought."

If vaccine passports were imposed on establishments, Mrs Clarkson said it would seriously impact her business, especially given The Alexandra's younger customers tend to part with more cash.

She added: "Many of our bigger spending customers fall into an age category that could mean they won’t have had the vaccine for some time yet - this will hugely impact on an already desperate revenue position if we have to exclude them."

But there are those in the industry who are willing to give the system a go, if it means returning to normality.

Keith Wildman, who owns The Record Café in North Parade, said: "In theory, I don’t see too much of a problem with vaccine passports.

"Anything that helps get us back to the normality of pre-March 2020 has to be welcomed.

"So far people around the country have done a great job of sticking to the rules to get us within sight of an end to this situation.

"It’s in all our interests to help each other."

Ultimately, those running pubs and bars want to know how such a system would work.

Mr Wildman said: "In practice, it will be creating more work for staff in hospitality for no return in an increase in revenue.

"It could also create situations where people become hostile towards staff.

"If it makes people feel safer going out then it may help though.

"I found last time that you gained customers by keeping a safe environment, which is what we do in normal times anyway."

Mrs Clarkson is less optimistic about any implementation of a vaccine passport system.

She said: "There are practical considerations around enforcement - if it’s an app then how do those without a smartphone cope?

"If a traditional method then this is open to abuse."