NEW Covid rules in Wales mean clubs can’t open on New Years Eve – but across the border in Hereford it’s a different story.
The Welsh government says it is trying to keep Wales safe by introducing new restrictions on hospitality, including only table service and the rule of six in pubs and restaurants.
Clubs were also closed on Boxing Day, but there are no new rules in England until the New Year.
Current rules in England include wearing face masks in shops, public transport and places of worship, but not in hospitality.
Major events and nightclubs also have to ask for Covid passports that show either a negative test result or proof of double vaccination.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told everyone to take a Covid test before they do New Years Eve. Image: PA wire
During a visit to a vaccination center in Milton Keynes on Wednesday, Mr Johnson urged people to get tested before the New Year’s celebrations.
He told reporters, “Everyone should enjoy the New Year carefully and sensibly – take a test, ventilate, think about others, but most of all get a booster.”
SIMILAR NEWS:
Play Nightclub Hereford on Blue School Street said: “We are excited to celebrate the New Year with our guests after some challenging years.
“To make sure it is a night to remember, we have a fantastic line-up with great music and entertainment.
“At the same time, the safety of the guests has top priority, with Covid passes at entry, high-quality ventilation with air changes every few minutes and increased disinfection throughout the venue.
“Our guests, who have already missed so much, really want to celebrate the end of 2021 properly and tickets are selling quickly.”
Play Nightclub Hereford said New Year’s Eve tickets were selling fast. Image: Cameron M-Hill Photography
The spokesman didn’t say whether the club, which is owned by REKOM UK, is getting busier due to people traveling across the border.
The Welsh government, which sets the covid rules in Wales, advised people not to travel to areas of the UK with high covid rates but there were no travel rules.
“It makes sense to avoid traveling in and out of areas with higher incidence rates whenever possible,” the website says.
“We are not currently imposing any legal travel restrictions within the UK but it is our clear advice that people should avoid traveling to areas with high coronavirus prevalence if they can avoid it.
“There is an increased risk of contracting Covid-19 in these areas, even if you are vaccinated. Therefore, avoid traveling if possible.”
OTHER NEWS:
Herefordshire doesn’t have a particularly high Covid rate right now, the latest figures show it is below the UK average.
In the seven days leading up to December 24, the county’s infection rate was 619.3 cases per 100,000 – half the UK’s number of 1,238.6.
When asked about people from Wales traveling to the border clubbing on New Year’s Eve, a Welsh government spokesman said: “The variant of Omicron is causing a rapid surge in coronavirus cases across Wales.
“People are already on sick leave, which puts pressure on key services, and we expect this situation to get worse.
“Wales is on alert two – new safeguards have been put in place to help businesses continue trading and updated and reinforced guidelines have been issued to help people stay safe inside their homes.
“We all have to do everything we can to protect ourselves and protect Wales.”
First Minister Mark Drakeford speaks during a Welsh Government press conference in Cardiff setting coronavirus restrictions for Wales. Image: PA wire
A Rule of Tum based on Aubery Street in Hereford said it was good news that no further Covid restrictions have been announced in England.
“We are fortunate to have a huge outdoor space with The Yard and to have three different bars on the premises to ensure people have plenty of outdoor space when they want.”
Edwin and Dorian Kirk, the A Rule of Tum. owned by Aubrey Street
The spokesman added: “We have not seen an influx of ticket sales since the announcement and have had a number of cancellations due to Covid and people who have had to isolate who of course get all their tickets fully refunded.”
“The tickets are still on pre-sale and will have a few in front of the door that night. We’re looking forward to the party and the new year.”
OTHER NEWS:
Meanwhile, Brecon and Radnorshire Conservative MP Fay Jones said it was “welcome news” that there would be no further restrictions on England.
Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones said local businesses were concerned about restrictions
But she added: “I have been inundated with news from concerned companies in Brecon and Radnorshire, especially those with competitors across the border.
“We really need to see the evidence of the decisions that are being made in Wales.”
Chelly Jones, who runs the Stanton House Inn in Chirk, Wrexham with her husband, said she canceled live entertainment scheduled for New Year’s Eve because of the new rules.
Ms. Jones, whose pub is less than half a mile from the border between Wales and England, told the PA news agency: “Christmas has been a disaster, we’ve never had a year like this.
“In the week leading up to Christmas, the new restrictions in Wales destroyed our profits. They kept us open but really closed us. We are a family run pub so it is very difficult at the moment. ”
“That is definitely because of the different restrictions in England than in Wales,” she added.
“Opposite us is a pub that can do whatever they want on New Year’s Eve. If people want to party, all they have to do is walk a mile up the street. ”
Ms. Jones said the people of Wales feel “lost” because players crossing the border to celebrate could return with coronavirus, undoing people’s efforts after the restrictions.