Following September’s clarification of the laws around Performance & Community venues we would like to take this opportunity to remind customers of the following Rules and Regulations:

The rule of six still applies. All professional shows put on at The Place will be held in organised and Covid-secure event spaces. While the overall audience capacity can be larger than six, groups of audiences attending an event socially are limited to six. [source: gov.uk] Amateur performing arts and choirs are restricted for the rule of six under the new measures, with Oliver Dowden MP (DCMS) adding that they will now be subject to the rule of six for the foreseeable future as a result of “the rapid spread [of Covid-19] due to social contact”. [source: The Stage]

The 10pm closing time does not apply to The Place Bedford. Performances may run over the 10pm deadline, however alcohol cannot be served after 10pm. [source: The Stage, multiple sources]

The Place Bedford could face fines or potential closure if we breach the Covid-secure regulations that are a condition of reopening. These rules are now understood to be a legal obligation. [source: The Stage]

Customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink. Our staff and volunteers in hospitality and retail will now also be required to wear face coverings (from 24 September). In England, you must wear a face covering in visitor attractions and entertainment venues (e.g. museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, etc.). We understand this to include during performances and screenings, etc. [source: gov.uk]

Venues in hospitality, the tourism and leisure industry, close contact services and local authority facilities must collect data for NHS Test and Trace and display an official NHS QR code poster from 24 September 2020. [source: gov.uk]

We are very grateful for your support and continued interest in our work. We’re really looking forward to slowly bringing opportunities back to the public over Autumn and into 2021. In the meantime we really appreciate your cooperation as we navigate our way through the new rules. We hope that this will mean we can bring wonderful local entertainment back to Bedford in a safe and friendly way.