Check out which venues will ask you for a valid COVID vaccine certificate

A legal notice for new COVID-19 rules coming into force on 17 January has been published. Here is a quick rundown of what is to be expected.

Establishments where a valid COVID-19 vaccine certificate must be presented:

• Bars
• Club or Kazin
• Restaurants
• Snack bar
• Cinema
• Theatre
• Casino or bingo hall or gaming parlour
• Sports events
• Gym or fitness centre
• Public swimming pool, spa and sauna
• Organised mass event
• Exhibition

Establishments or organisers of events who do not follow the regulations are liable to a €500 fine for each breach.

What is a valid vaccine certificate?

The vaccine certificate will be valid for 3 months from the second dose, or 9 months from the booster, with the exemption for people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 and have been unable to get the third jab.

Who is exempt?

• Those aged 12-17 who are currently ineligible for the booster will not need to show the booster certificate but a two-dose certificate.
• Under-12s will be completely exempt from any certificate.
• Mothers who are pregnant in their first three months.
• Those who tested positive in recent weeks and are waiting to get their booster dose.
• Anyone who has had a reaction to the vaccine and has a certificate from their doctor or the Superintendent of Public Health confirming they cannot take the booster.