COVID-19 vaccination passes are now required for some events and venues in Swindon.

After the government approved the new rules on Tuesday, people must now show proof of their vaccination against the disease or of a recent negative lateral flow test to help prevent the spread of the Omicron variant.

Swindon businesses are required to check this before allowing anyone to enter nightclubs, dancehalls, discos, or any other late night venues which are open between 1am and 5am, serve alcohol after 1am, has a dancefloor, or provides live or recorded music.

Indoor events with 500 or more people and outdoor events with 4,000 or more people need to check coronavirus vaccine passes as well if the attendees are likely to move around.

This is a requirement for events with at least 10,000 people attending, indoor or outdoor.

Use the NHS App so that the relevant information can be provided when required, or upload proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test to the NHS website, or get written proof of exemption from the NHS.

Swindon Borough Council’s licensing team is contacting businesses to confirm the arrangements they are putting in place to comply with the regulations and to provide advice when needed.