Vaccine passport extended to Welsh theatres and cinemas

The Senedd has voted to make Covid vaccine passports a condition of entry to theatres and cinemas in Wales from Monday (November 15).

Labour ministers first called for the extension, which gained support from Plaid Cymru, passing 39 votes to 15 on Tuesday evening (November 5).

A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said the party will “support evidence-based actions that can help to limit transmission and keep the people of Wales safe”.

The decision has divided opinion. The Wales Millennium Centre says it welcomes any move that allows it to remain open, but Picturedrome Cinemas Director Steve Reynolds said theatres and cinemas are being “picked on”.

Civil liberties campaign Big Brother Watch said it would start legal proceedings against the Welsh Government following the results, calling Covid passes "authoritarian, invasive and unevidenced".

Passes for entry to nightclubs and larger events in Wales became mandatory last month following a narrow 28-27 vote.