Music Venue Trust has already created the possibility of two pilot sites to host events featuring rapid testing and a range of other mitigation measures intended to deliver live music in a safe setting. How rapid testing might work to deliver such events safely needs to be tested, and we look forward to working with the government to undertake that work as soon as possible.

Rapid testing and other forms of health passporting, including vaccination certification represent one of a range of opportunities to deliver events safely, which we have been discussing with the government since July 2020. A vital element of that work, for our sector, is ensuring that it recognises everyone's right to privacy in balance with music venues' need and duty to protect our staff and customers. Any plan for a health passport must contain rigorous safeguards against excluding people unable to be vaccinated or take part in rapid testing.

It's unclear to us why the government supports rapid testing and certification to enter music venues but apparently does not wish to see exactly the same process used to understand and manage risk using the vaccination process. This presents the possibility that someone who has been vaccinated might need to also be rapid tested, which seems counter intuitive. If there is going to be a need to show evidence of being a 'safe customer' surely we want to provide people with the most number of opportunities to do that?

Mark Dayvd, CEO – Music Venue Trust