Music / October 19, 2021

Nightclubs to open, attendees must show proof of vaccination

Photo by Antoine Julien on Unsplash
Music / October 19, 2021

Nightclubs to open, attendees must show proof of vaccination

Words: Dylan Murphy

The Taoiseach revealed news during a press conference today.

The Taoiseach has revealed that nightclubs can open from Friday October 22, with proof of vaccination essential for those attending. Table service is staying for hospitality and max of ten adults per table. Though fixed capacities will no longer apply for indoor venues it’s not clear how things will work in practice for nightclubs.

Speaking today Micheál Martin said, “If you are indoors with other people, wear a mask. If you are running a business or any sort of event that is bringing people indoors, you must present for proof of vaccination”.

It comes after a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks, with 482 patients in hospital and 74 in ICU as of today.

Covid passes will not apply for outdoor events but organisers should have appropriate protective measures.

Updated public health guidance reads as follows:

  • requirement for EU Digital COVID Certificate (COVID-19 pass) (vaccine or recovery certificate) for indoor hospitality and events
  • face masks (can be removed for consumption of food or alcohol as appropriate)
  • table service only in hospitality settings (max of 10 adults per table, and max 15 including children)
  • collection of contact tracing data
  • for indoor live music, drama, live entertainment and sporting events audience/spectators should be fully seated (standing permitted at your seat)
  • specific sectoral guidance will be developed for nightclubs setting out appropriate protective measures. This will involve COVID-19 passes, contact tracing data collection and wearing of face masks except when eating, drinking and dancing
  • COVID-19 passes and fixed capacity limits will not apply for outdoor events. However, sectors should ensure appropriate protective measures are in place
  • organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place, and where indoor groups have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors, pods of 6 should apply. Fixed capacity limits will not apply to these indoor and outdoor group activities
  • religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place
  • return to workplaces will continue on a phased and cautious basis for specific business requirements