A confusing loophole in the Government’s guidance means that late-night pubs and bars don’t have to check customers’ Covid passes until 1am – even though nightclubs do.
It means that some venues can choose to allow punters to enter their venues unchecked until that time – but will have to carry out checks once the clock strikes 1am.
The guidance states that staff ‘must make sure that everyone in the venue between 1am and 5am is vaccinated, has completed a recent negative test, or is exempt’.
The rule applies even when a customer has ended the venue earlier than 1am – so customers can enter the bar without proof of Covid status at 11pm, but if they stay until 1am they should have to show their status then instead.
Venues included in the loophole must fit the following criteria:
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are open at any point between 1am and 5am
serve alcohol after 1am
have a dancefloor (or space for dancing)
provide music, whether live or recorded, for dancing
The Department of Health does, however, say that venues like ‘nightclubs, dancehalls and discotheques’ must check Covid-19 statuses of all guests at all times.
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People on Twitter have been perplexed by the strange rule.
One person tweeted: “Dave, I know you’ve been doing the Macarena for 20 minutes but it’s 1am, get your COVID pass out.”
The DoH provided an example to try and clear things up: “A bar is open throughout the day and stays open later than 1am.
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“It meets the criteria for mandatory use of the NHS COVID Pass (because it provides music and a dance floor, serves alcohol, and stays open later than 1am).
“The manager is not required to check the COVID-19 status of anyone who leaves the venue before 1am but must take reasonable measures to ensure that everyone who remains in, or enters, the premises after 1am has the NHS COVID Pass (or other accepted evidence).”
Confused? Us too.
Featured image: Unsplash
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Manchester United have revealed the architects heading up their Old Trafford ‘masterplan’
Danny Jones
Manchester United have now revealed the group of architects who will be leading their Old Trafford ‘masterplan’ following months of reports regarding a new stadium/renovation of the existingone.
In truth, the subject of redeveloping Old Trafford has been talked about for much longer than that, even before Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group took control of their minority stake in the club, but it now looks as though the wheels are in motion.
Both the fan base and administration remain seemingly divided over the two prospects – redeveloping the Theatre of Dreams as it stands or erecting an entirely new sporting arena – and a definite decision is still yet to be announced but Man United have now confirmed who will be heading up the process.
Sharing the news on Friday, 20 September, they confirmed that the plans go much further than just the football ground itself and are part of a much wider “masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District”.
ℹ️ A world-renowned architecture studio is set to be appointed to develop a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District 🏟️#MUFC
Unveiling world-renowned architects Foster + Partners as the chosen firm to lead the process, the latest update from the global footballing brand details will extend to cover the land surrounding the stadium which is already owned by the club.
“The focus will be to design a world-class football destination and home for Manchester United fans, coupled with a wider masterplan comprising mixed-use developments which will benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision, and make it a vibrant destination for visitors from Manchester, the UK and all around the world”, the statement reads.
As an assurance to the supporters who are still understandably torn over potentially saying goodbye to their ancestral home, the club also reiterated the Old Trafford masterplan will hinge on “substantial engagement with fans, community members, local authorities and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, whose feedback and insights will be incorporated into the masterplan design.
The task force was assembled earlier this year and features various figures from different public and private sectors, including the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who has already talked up the project as being arguably “the biggest regeneration scheme in the country”.
Some changes have already been made to the stadium since INEOS Sports came in, such as refurbishing the dressing rooms and the iconic Old Trafford tunnel, as well as expanding safe-standing and most recently updating signage and installations within the matchday kiosks.
According to regular United columnist, Samuel Luckhurst, the belief is that present plans consist of keeping Old Trafford, continuing to update and renovate, but to serve as a reduced capacity ground for the women’s team, while the men would likely move into a new state-of-the-art facility.
Commenting on the announcement, the company’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Lord Foster, said: “As a proud Mancunian, I am passionate about the chance to rebuild on Manchester’s great industrial heritage, creating a vibrant new mixed-use community, served by highly sustainable and improved transport links, providing homes and jobs for the local community, all catalysed by a world-class stadium for the world’s most famous football team…”
Full name Norman Robert Foster, also known as Baron Foster of Thames Bank and now 89 years old, was born in Reddish, Stockport and is behind some of the most celebrated modernist architecture in the UK.
As for Man United’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Collette Roche, she added: “We have a clear vision to transform and revitalise the club-owned land around Old Trafford and we know that Foster + Partners is the best partner to help us develop the plans.
“This is an area of Greater Manchester ready for major new investment so that it can thrive once more, and we are determined to help deliver those outcomes.”
“We want this area to become a true destination, that not only provides an unbeatable matchday experience for our fans, but also supports other forms of entertainment, leisure, business and residential facilities surrounding a world-class stadium.”
Ratcliffe and his partners have already said they want to create a “Wembley of the North” and it looks as though they’ve hired a big name to achieve that goal.
A brand-new private members club is coming to Manchester very soon
Danny Jones
First Soho House, now Queen Street: another new private members club is coming to Manchester as the city’s ever-bustling nightlife continues to evolve.
Yes, just off the street of the same name located near Spinningfields, where some of the most luxurious Manc hospitality destinations already lie, a new private members facility is set to pop up next month.
From the team behind the BEAT Club in London, one of the capital’s most exciting and renowned venues located in the famous Fitzrovia district, they are hoping to deliver the same kind of opulence with the Queen St Members Club.
Opening on Saturday, October 5, the new private members club is set to beat leading industry rival Soho House Manchester when it comes to its launch date, with the latter still only earmarked for early 2025.
Similar to Soho House and other member brands, Queen St will be designed for those seeking an exclusivenight out, with the private club will bring a new level of elegance to Manchester’s party scene.
The interiors of the highly-anticipated venue blend sleek black leather with grand gold touches, a bespoke lighting system as its eye-catching centrepiece, and the latest Funktion One sound system.
A regular DJ roster will consist of both local and global talent each week and Queen St will obviously offer a private club function, available for members to hire and where guests can create a fully customised party.
And get this, the club will also be one of the few Manchester venues that will stay open until 6am on weekends, so the party – however private – doesn’t stop until you say it does, essentially.
Memberships will be priced between £300 and £500 per annum, you can already enquire online now if this kind of thing tickles your fancy – or should we say very fancy.
Marc Merran, Owner of the new Queen St Members Club, BEAT and Inca (also in London) said: “We are thrilled to bring this brand new members’ club concept to Manchester.
“A first of its kind, Queen St is set to become the city’s premier destination for those craving an elevated nightlife experience that mirrors the London members’ club market.”
Meanwhile, as for the worst-kept secret among Manchester’s high society, earlier this year we had a tour of an existing facility to see what we can expect when Soho House finally lands over in the city.