Introduction of COVID-19 passes in Northern Ireland
As of today, COVID-19 passports are legally enforceable in Northern Ireland. The scheme was introduced last month with a two-week grace period to allow businesses to start implementing the measures without enforcement. However, going forward, businesses that fail to comply could face fines of up to £10,000.
The new COVID-19 pass requirements apply to the following venues:
- Nightclubs
- Licensed hospitality premises
- Cinemas, theatres and conference halls
- Indoor events with 500 or more attendees where all or part of the audience are not seated
- Outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees where all or part of the audience are not seated
- Events with more than 10,000 attendees regardless of whether they are seated
There are a number of ways in which customers can prove their COVID-19 status to gain entry to these venues:
- By downloading the "CovidCertNI" app on their smartphone, which shows proof of double vaccination
- By showing a paper vaccination card along with photographic ID, such as a driver's licence
- By showing proof of a negative lateral flow test taken in the previous 48 hours along with photographic ID
- By showing proof of a positive PCR test result within the last 30-180 days along with photographic ID
The Department of Health recently announced that anyone who cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccination on medical grounds could apply for an exemption certificate.
For more information please contact any member of ALG's Belfast Betting, Gaming & Liquor Licensing team.
Date published: 13 December 2021