New coronavirus rules do not ban comedy shows

Rule of 6 applies to social groups, not the whole audience

The government has confirmed that its new rules banning people from socialising in groups of more than six will not prohibit socially distanced comedy shows.

News of the imminent announcement of new Covid-19 restrictions published last night spread confusion in the comedy industry as it was unclear what the changes meant.

But now Boris Johnson has formally announced the move at a Downing Street press conference, the official government advice says: ‘Secure venues, such as places of worship, restaurants and hospitality venues, can still host larger numbers in total but groups of up to 6 must not mix or form larger groups.’

Otherwise the rule means that from Monday, no one in England should meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than 6. This will apply indoors and outdoors, including in private homes.

Venues and promoters will still be responsible for making sure their venues are Covid-secure with social distancing measures in place, and ensuring tickets are sold to 'bubbles' of fewer than six people.

The Prime Minister also said venues will now have to  record people's details for track and trace purposes by law, and fines will be issued if they don't.

The clampdown came as England's chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, says cases have risen ’really quite sharply’ in some age groups, especially 17- to 21-year-olds.

Meanwhile, the government is reviewing plans to pilot larger audiences in venues this month. Proposed sports pilot events will be limited to smaller numbers with the planned return of audiences to stadia from October 1 also under review.

Johnson said that with improved testing systems 'it may be possible for some sectors like theatres to have life back to normal before Christmas'.

Published: 9 Sep 2020

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