A theatre boss fears the introduction of a compulsory Covid pass to visit cinemas, theatres and concert halls may put people off going to see shows.

The Welsh government brought in the ruling this week. It says this is one of a number of measures to be strengthened to help keep people safe and businesses open while Wales remains at alert level zero but cases of coronavirus are very high.

The guidance on self-isolation has also been changed and people are being encouraged to work from home to help bring the virus under control.

The extension of the pass was approved by Members of the Senedd in a vote on November 9 for introduction on Monday, November 15.

There are essentially three ways of obtaining a Covid pass: downloading a Pass from the NHS Wales app, getting a paper copy of your vaccination status or proving that you have had a negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of any event.

Vaccine record cards will not be sufficient and exemptions are virtually non existent.

Chris Ryde, Director of the Savoy said he was very disappointed that cinemas and theatres had been singled out in this way.

“There is no scientific evidence that places like the Savoy have been the source of any outbreak of Covid.

‘‘We were just getting back on our feet financially after a very poor summer and getting the confidence of audiences back. Now we fear people will stay away and we will struggle as a result”

He went on: “However, the process of getting a Covid Pass is not that difficult and if it does reassure some people that the Savoy is a safer place to be then all well and good.

‘‘We very much hope that local people will comply in order to keep us trading.”

Shows that will see big crowds pass through the doors include comedian Simon Evans this Friday (November 19) and next month’s Jack and the Beanstalk panto at the Savoy, and Eagles tribute Talon on Saturday (November 20) and Robert Plant’s Saving Grace band on December 17 at The Blake.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said: “Cases of coronavirus in Wales are very high at the moment and we all need to work together to bring them under control. Extending the use of the Covid Pass to cinemas, theatres and concert halls is another way we can strengthen the measures we have in place to keep us all safe.

“I understand the challenges this sector has faced during the pandemic – this will help keep these businesses open during the difficult autumn and winter months ahead.

“We want to do everything we can to keep Wales open and to keep Wales safe and to give people the confidence to return to these venues.”

Cinemas, theatres and concert halls are all indoor venues where large numbers of people spend long periods close together.

Health Minister, Eluned Morgan added: “The Covid Pass was introduced just over a month ago for entry to nightclubs and larger indoor and outdoor events.

‘‘The feedback we have had suggests the system is working well.

“We will continue to work with the sectors introducing the pass to support them.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have reiterated their calls for the Welsh Labour Government to provide financial support to businesses impacted by their Covid pass system.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have continued to call for financial support for affected businesses after a number of community cinemas and theatres have expressed concern over coping with the additional costs involved in policing the Welsh Government scheme.

Today, the ‘Llanfyllin Film’ cinema in Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire announced it was suspending all shows due to its frustration with the covid pass scheme.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales Jane Dodds said:

“I am once again calling on the Welsh Government to provide financial support to businesses affected by its ill-thought-out covid pass scheme. Many community cinemas and theatres across Wales simply cannot afford to cope with the extra costs incurred to enforce the scheme and I am worried if this issue is left unaddressed it could sound the death of small community cinemas and theatres across the country.

“I would like to reiterate that the Welsh Government has still provided no evidence its covid pass scheme has reduced transmission of COVID-19 nor has it provided any evidence as to why cinemas, theatres and music halls were unfairly singled out over other indoor spaces.

“Lastly I urge both Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru to rule out supporting any further expansion to the covid pass scheme. If the scheme is expanded to other sectors of the hospitality industry, including restaurants, café’s and bars it could have a catastrophic effect on the industry in Wales, especially considering the Government appears unwilling to front up financial support for the enforcement of the scheme.”