Swindon’s nightclub owners have cast doubts on reopening to the public this year, despite suggestions of using rapid Covid tests on customers.

The Prime Minister has said the testing could help entertainment venues, such as theatres and nightclubs, start to welcome back customers once lockdown restrictions are eased.

But despite thinking it’s a good idea, owners don’t think it’s feasible for everyone.

Clubs in Swindon have been closed for almost a year, since the first Covid lockdown came into effect last March.

Alan Mok, owner of Tree nightclub in Old Town said he would follow whatever government guidelines were available and made clear customer health must come first.

He said: “I really couldn’t comment. I’m just going to go with the government guidelines.

“The most important thing is the safety of every, that’s the priority. Then we’ll go with whatever the government says.

“I hope we’ll reopen this year but it’s far too early to tell. I’d be happy if we could open but the most important thing is the safety of people before nightclubs can open.”

The Bank owner Manni Madhani agreed but said he couldn’t see clubs reopening until 2022.

He added: “Anything to prevent Covid is good. I’ve lost some friends to it and I send my sympathies to anyone who’s been suffering.

“It’s a good idea to test, but is it feasible when people have had a drink? It’s very difficult.

“I support the lockdown and everything the government is doing, but why is hospitality any different to supermarkets?

“I went shopping the other week and I felt like I was standing in my club, just without the drink.

“I’d be very surprised if we see anything opening this year.

“Everything the government is doing is to lower cases. If we follow what Australia and New Zealand are doing then there needs to be no cases in the country before we can reopen.”