Cinemas have reported “dramatic” falls in attendances since Welsh Government introduced Covid passes in Wales - as operators demand to see more evidence behind the decision to introduce them.
Since last Monday a Covid Pass has been needed to enter cinemas, theatres and concerts in Wales - meaning people need to be double vaccinated or show a negative lateral flow Covid test.
Welsh Government say the passes will help keep Covid rates lower and assist in keeping businesses open over winter.
Business Live spoke to operators about the impact with the Galeri arts centre in Caernarfon and Empire cinema in Holyhead reporting a major reduction in cinema ticket sales.
Theatr Clwyd in Mold said the vast majority of their audiences had remained supportive but all the venues asked to see more evidence to justify the passes.
This comes as Welsh Government continues to consider rolling out Covid passes to restaurants, pubs and cafes - although First Minister Mark Drakeford took the decision not to implement this at the last review.
Steffan Thomas, director of operations at Galeri Caernarfon, said: “In the first week it has had a negative impact - cinema sales are down more than 50% - and our model shows that for every pound spent at the cinema there is another pound spent on food and drink, like popcorn or a meal here.
“We have spent around £2,000 on refunds and also signage and extra staffing but the actual cost from people not coming to the cinema will be far higher.
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“We have abided by all the rules on masks and social distancing but the introduction of the requirement of a pass to visit a theatre/cinema in itself sends a message they aren’t ‘safe’ places to attend. To the contrary – there is no evidence/trace of Covid being spread in cinemas/theatres in Wales.
“The government has also not done enough to promote the passes and how people can get them.
“It is a flawed system. We have asked for evidence to support the passes but we haven’t been shown any.”
Debbie Parry, community services manager, Holyhead Town Council, which runs the Empire in Holyhead, said: “Just as we were starting to see things sort of getting back to normal, as normal as it could be after the horrendous year that all businesses have had to endure, we have now been dealt another short straw.
“Since the new regulations came into place on Monday we have seen a dramatic fall in numbers attending the cinema, we have also had a no show which is very rare and think this is very unfair especially when there is no proof of any related cases in any cinema in Wales.”
Phil Clapp, chief executive, 海角视频 Cinema Association, said: “All we have seen of the introduction of Covid passes in Wales has realised our worst fears, with many sites seeing a reduction in admissions compared to previous levels.
“Whatever our opposition to the introduction of these measures – for which we have still seen no evidence – we stood ready with our members to implement them as effectively as possible.
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“However the lack of publicity for their introduction by the Welsh Government, coupled with the unwillingness of officials to help us understand their practical application, has placed many cinemas in a ‘perfect storm’ of confusion and conflict.
“Most distressingly, we are seeing many older and disabled customers unaware of the scheme – or unable to navigate its requirements – having to be turned away from cinemas in Wales. We cannot believe that was the intention of Ministers, but it is the reality.
“If the Government is not willing to pull back from this illogical measure, then we must urgently see moves to provide financial support for all affected sites of all shapes and sizes, without which the survival of many will soon be called into question.”
A Theatr Clwyd spokesperson said: “We’ve worked incredibly hard since the introduction of the NHS Covid Passes to make sure our audiences are up-to-date with the new rules, and also make sure that the impact when visiting is minimal, ensuring a welcoming and quick process.
“The vast majority of our audiences have been incredibly supportive and there have been significantly few cancellations or no-shows.
“We’ve also been thrilled with how audiences are returning, both for our pantomime, Beauty and The Beast, and for our newly announced spring season.
“Our audiences have asked what evidence has been provided to us to justify the introduction of these passes into theatres and cinemas, and not for other areas of entertainment and hospitality.
“This is a question that we will continue to ask Welsh Government, but for now we are grateful for the continued support of our audiences, communities and funders.”
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Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said: “Cases of coronavirus in Wales are very high at the moment and we all need to work together to bring them under control.
“Extending the use of the COVID Pass to cinemas, theatres and concert halls is another way we can strengthen the measures we have in place to keep us all safe.
“I understand the challenges this sector has faced during the pandemic – this will help keep these businesses open during the difficult autumn and winter months ahead. We want to do everything we can to keep Wales open and to keep Wales safe and to give people the confidence to return to these venues.”
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Tom Giffard MS, said: “We have been against these passes from the outset because there is no evidence they stop the spread of coronavirus and now we are seeing just how badly they are hitting businesses.
“Our hospitality and leisure industry needs support from Labour ministers as we look to bounce back from the pandemic – not to be clobbered with more anti-business restrictions which jeopardises livelihoods and jobs.
“With businesses already suffering significant losses, Labour ministers must urgently outline what financial compensation or support they will provide to those firms hit by this draconian policy.
“Labour must now rule out plans to extend Covid passes and look at revoking them all together because it’s clear they are damaging businesses with little evidence they are keeping people safe.
“Vaccines and the booster campaign are helping keep Wales safe – not passports.”