New Year’s Eve festivities will likely be less popular in the UK because revellers have to adapt to different restrictions in England and Scotland as well as Northern Ireland.
We compare the UK’s restrictions in this section.
– How will New Year’s Eve be different in England this year?
Sadiq Khan cancelled London’s Trafalgar Square firework show for New Year’s Eve due to the increase in Omicron cases.
The Revellers were asked to view a live broadcast of BBC One or BBC iPlayer. This will be a celebration of the city, and it will highlight the most significant moments over the last year.
Covid passes have been available since December 15 for entry to nightclubs or other venues. This also applies indoor events with more than 500 people where it is likely they will stand or move about, like in music venues.
In most public indoor settings and on public transportation, face coverings are required.
Also, the government has stated that anyone celebrating in Scotland is free to travel south from the border in order to benefit from looser restrictions in England. Nightclubs in England remain open.
Chloe Smith from Work and Pensions Ministry said that individuals are more than allowed to move about the UK in 2014’s new year.
When asked if people from Scotland should cross the English border to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Ms Smith said that she thought it was wrong.
However, the government has also warned against overreacting
Boris Johnson was visiting a Milton Keynes vaccination center on Wednesday and urged the public to be tested in advance of New Year’s Eve.
He said: ‘Everybody should enjoy New Year but in a cautious and sensible way – take a test, ventilation, think about others but, above all, get a booster.’
– What will the celebrations be like in Scotland?
Events in Scotland have a one-meter social distancing. They are restricted to 100 people indoors, 200 indoors, and 500 outdoors. There is also one-metre physical separation in indoor leisure and hospitality settings. Hogmanay festivities are exempt from these restrictions.
Table service is required when alcohol is served.
The guidance also advises against traveling south of the border. This is contrary to England’s policy.
John Swinney (Scotland’s Deputy First Secretary) stated that although there were no barriers to people crossing into England from Scotland, nightclubs still remain open in England on Wednesday. However, it was against the “spirit” of the regulations and the “wrong course”.
Because of this limit, street parties on New Year’s Eve have had to be cancelled.
The Scottish Government urges people to “stay at home” as much as they can, and any meetings to only three households.
The December 14th deadline has been met to limit social contact.
What will Northern Ireland’s celebrations look like?
Already announced, nightclubs are closed Fridays for New Year’s Eve. However, dancing in hospitality establishments is prohibited.
Table numbers should be kept to 6 people for those dining out at restaurants. Diners are required to remain seated during table service.
– What is happening in Wales?
Current regulations state that no more than six people are permitted to gather in bars, cinemas or restaurants. However, licensed establishments can only offer table service.
Face masks are required to be worn in pubs, bars, or other licensed establishments. Contact tracing information should also be collected. Customers should adhere to two-metre social distance rules.
Since Boxing Day, nightclubs in Wales have been shut down. Outdoor events are limited to 30 and indoor events only 50.