Wales introducing Covid Passports for Nightclubs and Large Events

In a recent announcement, the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, in a move that is likely to attract criticism from the nightclub trade bodies, proclaimed that as of the 11 October 2021, people in Wales will be required to show evidence of their vaccination or produce a negative Covid test in order to gain entry into nightclubs and mass events.

Customers will be able to produce an NHS Covid Pass to show they have been vaccinated, or had a negative lateral flow test which had been taken in the 48 hours prior to attending the nightclub or event. Production of the former, will need to be shown to gain entry into nightclubs, indoor no-seating events with more than 500 people, outdoor no-seating events with more than 4,000 people and for any event with more than 10,000 people.

First Minister Mark Drakeford stated:

"The last thing we want is further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again,"

"That's why we must take small but meaningful action now to control the spread of the virus and reduce the need for tougher measures later."

The Welsh Government has adopted a different approach to Scotland by allowing customer to rely on a negative lateral flow test, the approach in Scotland is evidence of double vaccine only. Mr Drakeford said in a news conference such an approach would discriminate against those who cannot get a vaccine. The Welsh Government has also taken a different approach to England who adopted a reserve position on the introduction of any similar measures for similar events.

One of the concerns which has been raised surrounds the legal definition of a 'Nightclub', which neither the Scottish nor Welsh Governments have so far defined. It is considered that this definition will be one which operators will require significant guidance on.