Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has provided further confirmation of the U.K. Government's plan to proceed with requiring proof of vaccination for entry into nightclubs and other indoor venues beginning at the end of this month.

“We want to make sure the industry doesn't have to go through [an] open-shut, open-shut sort of strategy,” Zahawi told BBC’s Andrew Marr on Sunday, noting it’s the best way to keep businesses open. The rule will be introduced at a time when all over 18-year-olds will have had the opportunity to receive both doses of the vaccine.

The Night Time Industries Association has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the move, which it says could “cripple the industry”. Michael Kill, NTIA CEO, said: “Surely the Government can see this is not workable. The challenges are endless, and the sector will be hit extremely hard by this decision, embroiled in discrimination cases, staffing and supply chain shortages, tourism and so on.”

There’s division on the issue throughout the U.K., too. While the Scottish Government has proposed a similar plan, opposition is building ahead of a debate on the proposals set to take place on Thursday. Wales has said it has no plans for such a scheme and Northern Ireland hasn’t stated a position.