People going to a cinema or theatre will have to show a Covid pass from Monday.

The Welsh Government won a vote at the Senedd on Tuesday meaning that the controversial Covid pass scheme is to be extended to a host of other venues.

The scheme was introduced last month meaning people attending large events such as concerts and nightclubs must show a Covid pass to prove they are fully vaccinated or have tested negative.

Following a vote last night, the scheme is to be extended to include cinemas, theatres and concert halls from Monday.

The extension passed with 39 members of the Senedd voting in favour with 15 voting against.

Following the vote, the Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, who is also the MS for Mid and West Wales, said: “I am pleased the extension has been agreed today following the vote.

“Covid has not gone away and cases remain high and we need to continue take steps to Keep Wales Safe.

“The NHS Covid Pass is one measure among many to help to keep businesses open while also helping to control the spread of the virus.

“The decision to introduce them has not been taken lightly and the venues that will be covered are indoors and see large numbers of people being closely together for prolonged periods of time.

“Since 11 October, people have been required to show an NHS COVID Pass or recent negative lateral flow test result to enter nightclubs, similar venues and events and the service is working well. We have received positive feedback from a range of businesses and organisers of major events, including following the recent rugby internationals.

“We will continue to work with the sectors who are implementing the scheme to best support them.”

Another MS for Mid and West Wales, Jane Dodds from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, opposed the move and last night said she was ‘extremely disappointed’ by the extension.

Ms Dodds said: “Our view remains that the system is both illiberal and unworkable and we have not been provided with evidence to the contrary. The Welsh Government has broken trust by expanding a scheme it initially stated was for very limited circumstances.

“Despite requests to the Health Minister, we have not been provided with any evidence that shows the scheme has been effective in keeping down case numbers. There has also been no evidence provided to as why cinemas, theatres and concert halls have been singled out specifically.

“It is deeply concerning the impact this decision will have on small businesses across Wales, over the last few weeks a number of community cinemas and theatres have gotten in touch with to express their fear of how they are meant to hire new staff to enforce this scheme without any financial support from the Welsh Government.”