COVID passes are now a legal requirement to enter nightclubs and attend large scale events in Wales.

From 7am this morning (Monday, October 11), the Covid Pass has been introduced on this side of the border.

People in Wales must now either show a Covid Pass, or demonstrate their covid status, if they want to visit nightclubs or big events.

It comes after a vote to introduce these measures narrowly passed through the Senedd last week – in slightly controversial circumstances.

Leading figures in the Welsh Government have said that the introduction of these measures are vital to keep Wales safe, and open for business, during the pandemic.

While the rate of deaths due to the virus has slowed, numbers of positive cases remain high across the nation – especially among the younger population.

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What does the Covid Pass mean?

From today, everyone in Wales over the age of 18 will need to show a NHS Covid Pass, or a negative Covid-19 test, to enter the following 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

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 at venues do not have to – though they are encouraged to take lateral flow tests twice a week.

Businesses are also required to undertake Covid risk assessments, and to put reasonable measures in place to ensure staff safety.

Any businesses who do not comply can be penalised with premises improvement notices, closure notices, fixed penalty notices, or a maximum fine of £10,000.

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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What has been said about the Covid Pass rollout?

Welsh Government 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.”

Last week, first minister Mark Drakeford confirmed that Wales will remain at alert level zero for the next three weeks.

Plans are in place to respond to a challenging winter ahead with both coronavirus and seasonal flu both in circulation.