A nightclub boss has warned the introduction of Covid passes could put thousands of jobs at risk.

From today, anyone who wants to go inside larger venues in England must prove their Covid-19 status before they are allowed in.

They either have to show an NHS Covid pass or evidence of a negative lateral flow test taken in the previous 48 hours.

Peter Marks, chairman of nightclub group REKOM UK, which operates ATIK Dartford, warned the industry was already struggling due to previous restrictions and closures.

He said: “We are disappointed, but not surprised by parliament’s decision to make vaccine passports compulsory for nightclubs and other late night venues.

"Thankfully, our teams are well prepared to implement these news measures, using lessons learnt from our venues in Scotland and Wales.

“While we appreciate that public health is a priority, if the government sees the need for compulsory vaccine passports, then it should do so across the board.

"It is not only unjust to single out the late-night sector but it will have no impact on transmission rates and there is no evidence that nightclubs have caused an increase in COVID cases.

"In fact, since July 19 when we were allowed to re-open in England, there was an 80% reduction in cases in the 20 to 29 cohort according to recent ONS statistics.

“The late-night economy, particularly nightclubs, has received only one third of the support of the nearest other hospitality industry by type and a 10th of those deemed cultural venues.

"Many operators have already gone bust and, with these latest measures, many thousands of jobs are at risk across the sector.”

Covid passes also apply to theatres and, at the time of writing, the majority of shows appear to be going ahead as planned, with the introduction of the new measures.

The Astor Theatre in Deal adopted a Covid pass approach from last week.

Executive director Simon Yadoo told KentOnline: "As masks are now mandatory, we decided to move ahead with the pass as a condition of entry from last week."

On the reaction from customers, he added: "Most have been very accepting. We have had some pushback, as we know it's an emotive issue, but when I've pointed out that they can provide a negative test, that tends to diffuse the problem.

"It was the best thing for us to do to protect our staff and people coming in.

"It's valid because it's a safety measure that's necessary and which is open to everybody.

"But we do hope it is something we only have to do temporarily."

Some smaller venues were keen to stress the new Covid pass measures do not apply to them.

Bosses at the EMF Theatre in Tonbridge said: "In line with the current government guidelines, mask/face coverings are required in the venue for all adults over 12 years unless exempt.

"Please note that we do not require you to present a vaccine passport or negative lateral flow test."