Further to the release of the UK Government’s COVID-19 four-step plan to ease lockdown in England, new guidance on hosting events in England has been published. Please see a summary of the relevant guidance for tourism businesses below.
Step Two - From 12th April
- Outdoor gatherings or events, organised by a business, charity, public body or similar organisation, can be organised, subject to complying with COVID-Secure guidance including taking reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission, complete a related risk assessment; and ensure that those attending do not mix beyond what is permitted by the social contact limits
- This could enable spectators at a grassroots sports match or a village fête, provided people do not mix beyond groups of six people or two households.
- Indoor events that bring people together - even if they do not mix with other households - must not run until Step 3. However, at this point, funerals can continue to proceed with up to 30 attendees. Weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including wakes will be able to take place with up to 15 attendees (in premises that are permitted to open).
Step Three - no earlier than 17 May
- Remaining outdoor entertainment events, such as cinemas, theatres, and other performance events will also be permitted.
- Both outdoor and indoor gatherings or events, organised by a business, charity, public body or similar organisation can be organised, subject to them complying with COVID-Secure guidance.
- Spectators will be allowed at elite sporting events and performance events. Attendance at these events will be restricted to 50% of capacity up to 1,000 people for indoor events, and 50% of capacity up to 4,000 people for outdoor events. For outdoor events taking place in venues with seated capacity of over 16,000, event organisers may apply a 25% capacity cap, up to a maximum of 10,000 seated people.
- Large business events will also be able to go ahead, subject to the same capacity requirements as sporting events and performances.
- Significant life events for 30 people
Step Four - no earlier than 21 June
- To lift all remaining restrictions on social contact and large events that apply in Step 3. This is subject to the outcome of the Events Research Programme, and a review of social distancing measures.
The outcome of the following reviews will inform how events can operate safely from step four:
- Looking at whether having a vaccine or a negative test result can reduce restrictions on social contact.
- Piloting the impact of testing and reduced social distancing on events.
- Review social distancing measures, such as the one-metre-plus rule, rules on face coverings and working from home – to report back by 21 June.
