The Government has issued new guidelines for all the venues requiring a Covid vaccine status certificate from Wednesday December 15.
The measures provoked a Tory rebellion ahead of the Commons vote making Plan B rules a legal requirement, but they eventually passed and became law.
Tthis is where customers in England will need to show proof of a negative lateral flow test or proof of vaccination before entering.
What are the rules?
From 6am on Wednesday 15 December, certain venues and events will be required by law to check the COVID status of customers using the NHS COVID Pass or other accepted proof.
The use of the NHS COVID Pass is required here:
- nightclubs, dancehalls and discotheques
- other late night dance venues, where all of the following apply:
- the venue is open between 1am and 5am
- it serves alcohol during this time
- it has a dancefloor (or space for dancing)
- it provides music, whether live or recorded, for dancing
- indoor events with 500 or more attendees, where those attendees are likely to stand or move around for all or part of the event, such as music venues with standing audiences or large receptions
- outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees, where those attendees are likely to stand or move around for all or part of the event, such as outdoor festivals
- events with 10,000 or more attendees, whether indoor or outdoor, such as large sports and music events
Nightclubs, dancehalls and discotheques will be required to check the COVID status of visitors at all times.
Places that do not require status checks:
Activities in other hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, do not have to use COVID-19 status checks as a condition of entry unless either of the following apply:
- they hold an event which meets the criteria for requiring certification, for example a music concert with more than 500 people who are likely to stand and move around, which is ticketed or a charge is made for entry
- the venue, or part of the venue, has been hired for an event, for example a party, which meets the criteria for certification
If you want more stories like this...
You can sign up to our e-bulletins of business news direct from our regional editors or our weekly round-up of the best articles in key sectors. Sign up here
The full list of exempt settings
The following settings do not need to apply COVID-19 status checks as a condition of entry, unless they are holding an event that meets the criteria for venues or events requiring mandatory use of checks:
- museums or art galleries
- theme parks and fairgrounds
- other tourist, heritage, or cultural sites (including zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens)
- recreation and leisure facilities (such as bowling alleys, amusement arcades and bingo halls)
- sport and physical activity facilities (such as gyms, swimming pools, and skating rinks)
- play areas or centres
- casinos
- cinemas
- transport hubs and public transport
- retail, including markets, shops, shopping centres, and supermarkets
Most Read
Schools, Further Education providers and Higher Education providers are not required to use the NHS COVID Pass, unless they are holding a specific event (such as a reception or concert or party) that meets the attendance thresholds. Where applicable, schools should follow guidance on mandatory certification for events.
Under 18s to not have to show their COVID-19 status but should be counted towards attendance thresholds. Schools, Further Education providers and Higher Education providers should not use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry for education or related activities such as exams or teaching, or extra-curricular activities, or any other day-to-day activities that are part of education or training.
What must staff check for?
Check for proof of COVID status through use of the free . Text or email proofs of a recent NHS Test and Trace test and international vaccine proofs should be visually checked.
If organisations do not comply with COVID certification requirements, local authorities can take enforcement action, including prosecution.
Venues and events that are not required to use the NHS COVID Pass can still opt to use it voluntarily as a condition of entry to reduce the risk of transmission at venues or events.
Do staff need to be vaccinated?
In places where the NHS COVID Pass is required, organisations should check the COVID status of all adults working or providing services in the venue or event that are likely to come into contact with the public. You should make sure that staff are all either:
- fully vaccinated
- undertaking regular testing
- exempt (for medical reasons or as a result of clinical trial participation in a COVID vaccine trial)
- an exempt person (under 18 or conducting their official duties)
What's happening in Wales and Scotland?
Under Covid Pass rules in Wales, you need to show proof you are either fully vaccinated, or have had a negative Covid test in the last 48 hours before you can go to theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, indoor non-seated events for more than 500 people, outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people and any event with
In Scotland, nightclubs and large events should only allow entry to people who can show they have had two doses of a Covid vaccine or proof of a recent negative lateral flow test. The government has decided against expanding the scheme for now to indoor cinemas, theatres and some other licensed and hospitality premises.