Clwb Ifor Bach remains open and fully functioning, but urges attendees to comply with its Covid-19 policies to maximise safety
The new Covid-19 Omicron variant brings further guidance for concert venues in Wales, like Clwb Ifor Bach.
Welsh Government announced a new set of Covid-19 regulations on 10 December following the outbreak of the Omicron variant.
Facemasks are now required to be worn in all indoor public spaces, and public transport, including taxis. The Government has further recommended people wear facemasks in hospitality settings, including nightclubs and event venues.
Providing proof of vaccination with a Covid-19 pass or a negative lateral flow test was already a requirement for attending concerts, but now the Government encourages the public to also take regular lateral flow tests.
In light of the new regulations and Omicron variant, venues that serve alcohol and are open late between midnight and 5am, plus provide music for dancing, are still required to check guests’ Covid-19 passes.
Clwb Ifor Bach is a small live music venue that has been taking precautions with Covid-19.
The venue’s Covid-19 policy states: “Although visiting Clwb might feel close to how it was prior to the pandemic, there will be differences. We have new policies, guidelines and rules that we must adhere to.”
The venue hosts small bands and music artists. Their Covid-19 policy urges their guests to be respectful of others, wear facemasks if they can, and be considerate with giving others space.
The Pale White, a band from Newcastle, performed in Clwb Ifor Bach on 11 December, just one day after the new guidance was released.
Attendees of the event were not phased by the Omicron variant and trusted in the precautions taken by the venue.
“I’m a little bit worried but I think it’s going to get to a point where eventually life just has to carry on,” said Harvey Sivell, 20.
Billy Saffill, 21, added “I think gigs should be OK if people keep testing.”
Although Clwb Ifor Bach will stay open amid the new government guidelines, fear of the Omicron variant has caused Stereophonics, Tom Jones and Catfish and the Bottlemen show to be cancelled. The performers were set to play two gigs on the 17 and 18 December but this will now be postponed to June 2022.
A statement released by Principality Stadium said although they had sought clarification from the Welsh Government, the shows were “impossible to run safely” to ensure compliance with government guidelines and Welsh law.
There are currently 15 recorded cases of the Omicron variant in Wales. Early research by the UK Health Security Agency has shown receiving a third vaccine could prevent 75 percent of people from getting Covid-19 symptoms.
