Covid passes needed for nightclubs and large events in Wales from today

You can show the NHS Covid Pass or a recent negative Covid test in order to gain entry

Over 18's will need a Covid pass or a negative test result to get in
Author: Lauren JonesPublished 11th Oct 2021
Last updated 27th May 2022

Covid passes come into force in Wales from today.

The law is changing so all adults over-18 will need to show an NHS Covid Pass or a recent negative Covid test to enter certain premises:

• Nightclubs and similar venues;

• Indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people;

• Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people;

• Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: “Our fantastic vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength but the pandemic is not over.

"Cases of remain high across Wales and, unfortunately, families across the country are losing loved ones to this awful virus.

“The clear advice from our scientific advisers is that we need to take early action now.

“The Covid Pass is just one of a series of measures in place to help prevent people spreading and catching coronavirus while helping to keep the economy open. None of us want to see further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again.

“Showing a Covid Pass is already part of our collective effort to keep businesses open, with some major events, such as the successful Green Man Festival, using it.

“Together, if we all continue to follow the clear guidelines we’re all used to by now, we’ll be doing everything we can to Keep Wales Safe.”

People who are fully vaccinated in Wales can already download the NHS Covid Pass to securely show and share their vaccine status.

It also allows people to show they have had a negative lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours.

Only people attending these venues and events will need to show their Covid status. Staff working or volunteering in these venues are encouraged to take lateral flow tests twice a week to check they do not have the virus.

Workplaces are required by law to undertake Covid risk assessments, and to put reasonable measures in place to ensure staff safety.

Covid passes have been used successfully in many venues and events in Wales throughout the summer.

The First Minister confirmed last week that Wales will remain at alert level zero for the next three weeks.

The Welsh Government will use the current enforcement regimes for monitoring compliance – this means businesses and events will need to ensure their proposed arrangements to comply with the Covid pass regulations are included in their risk assessments, and reasonable measures to ensure compliance.

Penalties for non-compliance will include:

• a premises improvement notice or premises closure notice;

• a fixed penalty notice and a maximum fine for businesses of £10,000.

In addition, it is now an offence for a person to provide false or misleading evidence of vaccination or testing status where that evidence is required as part of the requirement for holding a Covid pass.

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