MPs vote to introduce COVID pass requirement for nightclubs in England
New measures require attendees to show proof of double-vaccination or a negative COVID test result
MPs have voted for COVID passes and tests to be a requirement for entry into nightclubs and large venues from today.
The new measure requires proof of double-vaccination or a negative PCR test or a lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours.
Rules apply to nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with a capacity of more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues that hold more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.
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To provide this information, people can use the NHS COVID Pass app, a text message or email from NHS Track and Trace.
The vote in the House of Commons was due to the decision announced by Boris Johnson on December 8 as part of the government's new set of restrictions for England called 'plan b' .
Passing with 369 votes to 126, nearly 100 Conservative MPs voted against which means the majority of the party disagree with this new rule. This is the biggest rebellion Johnson has had since he took office and will face MPs at noon for Prime Minister's Questions.
The changes come according to the BBC as Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, has said that the growth of the Omicron variant over the next coming days would be “staggering” with infections currently doubling in less than two days in most UK regions. She also told a committee of MPs that Omicron was "probably the most significant threat we've had since the start of the pandemic".
Read this next: Booster jabs to be included in COVID pass entry requirement for nightclubs
All adults are now eligible for their booster jab which they can get three months after their second vaccine.
Earlier this week, Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that nightclub attendees will have to show evidence of a booster jab on their NHS COVID pass to get into nightclubs as soon as the public "have had a reasonable chance" to get one.
Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter