UK Government’s final Events Research Programme findings published

The UK Government recently published its final reports from the Events Research Programme (ERP) with findings on the spread of COVID-19 at sporting and live music events that took place with restrictions in place and once they were lifted.  The report found that improvements to strategies surrounding air quality and ventilation would help to mitigate …

NTIA chief welcomes UK Government’s announcement, with no impact on venues

England has today reintroduced mandatory face coverings on public transport and in shops due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the new Omicron variant, however no further restrictions have been placed on cultural venues, hospitality and night clubs to the relief of the chief executive of Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).  While Prime Minister Boris …

France bring in mandatory mask wearing at theatres and concerts

Theatre lovers and concert-goers will have to wear face coverings in France, as mask-wearing due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has become mandatory once more.  Mask-wearing had stopped being enforced in the country with the introduction of the health pass at the end of July.  The health pass requires a proof of vaccination against coronavirus …

Italy moves to restrict stadium access to fully vaccinated

Fans attending sporting events in Italy from December 6 will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of new measures brought in to limit the spread of the virus. Fans will be required to present a so-called Super Green Pass to prove that they are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. The rule …

No venue extension to Scotland’s COVID-19 vaccine passport scheme

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the country’s COVID-19 vaccine passport scheme will not be extended to more venues.  It had been reported that the First Minister was considering expanding the system to cover other hospitality venues, cinemas and theatres. However, while there will not be an expansion of the vaccine passport scheme, Scottish …

RB Leipzig v Manchester City to be played behind closed doors

Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League trip to German side RB Leipzig on December 7 will be played without fans and behind closed doors, due to a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in Germany.  Local authorities are placing Saxony into a partial lockdown, with other events in the region also cancelled in the coming weeks.  There is …

Derbyshire festival will not return due to COVID-19 ‘ramifications’

Indietracks festival, held at the Midland Railway in Butterly, Derbyshire, will not be returning after the COVID-19 pandemic has caused “ongoing ramifications” for event organisers.  The music festival, with its main site located at Swanwick Junction, ran for over 10 years between 2007 and 2019, which proved to be the final time as 2020 was …

Northern Ireland in favour of COVID-19 vaccine passports

Ministers in Northern Ireland have voted in favour of COVID-19 vaccine passports, which will be introduced at the end of November and enforced from mid-December.  The scheme means that before entry is allowed in nightclubs or hospitality venues, proof of vaccination through a passport or proof of a negative COVID test will be required. Punters …

New Zealand ticket companies race to integrate COVID-19 passes

Two of New Zealand’s event ticketing companies Eventfinda and iTicket have streamlined the process surrounding Covid-19 passports.  New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has recently introduced a COVID pass and traffic light system, with businesses able to choose whether or not they require a COVID passport. The new traffic light scheme is due to come …