Remember your Covid pass if you’re going to a nightclub or major event

Revellers and hospitality businesses are being reminded of the new laws that require people to show their Covid-19 status before being admitted.

As of now, visitors will need to have a Covid pass showing they have been double vaccinated, or proof of having taken a negative test in the previous 48 hours.

The regulations apply at:

• 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 after 1am
• it has a dancefloor (or a space for dancing)
• it provides music, whether live or recorded, for dancing
• indoor unseated events with 500 or more attendees
• outdoor unseated events with 4,000 or more attendees
• events with 10,000 or more attendees, whether indoor or outdoor, such as large sports and music events

Bury Council and Greater Manchester Police are encouraging venues and event organisers to check people’s Covid-19 status with the free NHS Covid pass which is available via the Google Play Store/Apple IOS App Store.

If this is not possible, a manual check can be undertaken but businesses must ensure they check for an expiry date and a shimmer animation that confirms that a pass is live and has not been screenshotted. If this is also not possible, they can check the NHS App wallet (which does not have a shimmer animation).

The police and the council can issue fines of up to £10,000 for breaches of the legislation.

Lesley Jones, Bury’s director of public health, said: “Given the high and rising rates of Covid-19, it is imperative that we all do everything we can to help prevent the spread of infection by rigorously following regulations and Covid-19 safe measures. Taking these steps now will help reduce longer term impacts and help lessen the need for further measures in the future.”

The council has contacted venues that could fall into the scope of the new legislation. Any business which has not yet been contacted can seek support via the public protection department at licensing@bury.gv.uk.

Further information, support and working safely guidance for businesses is available on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19

ENDS

Press release issued: 20 December 2021.