COVID-19: Welsh regulations requiring proof of vaccination status to attend certain events and venues come into force

On 11 October 2021, the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 17) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/1119) (Regulations) came into effect.

The Regulations, which were made on 6 October 2021, amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/1609) by requiring late night premises, and premises that host certain events in Wales, to take reasonable measures to ensure that attendees over 18 years old are either fully vaccinated or are exempt from the requirement to demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated.

Premises and businesses that are subject to the new requirements include:

There are exceptions for premises holding wedding or civil partnership receptions, or wakes, open air events which are free and unticketed and which have multiple entry points, protests and picketing, and open air mass-participation sporting events such as running and cycling races.

Premises that breach the new requirements may be subject to an improvement notice or closed.

For coverage of previous COVID-19 developments in Wales, see COVID-19: commercial aspects tracker UK: Business interruption and restrictions on movements and gatherings.