Cinema Forced to Close by Welsh Government for Defying Vaccine Passport Rules

First Minister Mark Drakeford speaking at a National Coronavirus Commemorative Event outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, Wales, on March 23, 2021. Matthew Horwood/Handout/Welsh government via PA

An independent cinema in Wales has been ordered to close by the government after it refused to ask customers to see their COVID-19 vaccine passports.

Last month, the Labour-controlled Welsh government introduced so-called “COVID passes” as proof of full vaccinations or up to 48-hours-old negative lateral flow tests results. From Nov. 15, the requirement for COVID passes was expanded from clubs and events to cover all customers entering cinemas, theatres, and concert halls across Wales.