Decision details
Darlington Hippodrome - Changes to Government restrictions from 19 July 2021
Decision Maker: Assistant Director Community Services
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
To make the following changes to the measures
currently in place and to review safe systems of work in light of
the changes to Government restrictions effective from 19 July
2021.
Social Distancing – to go ahead with no social distancing in
auditorium as this is now allowed in line with Government guidance.
Customers will be advised to wear a face mask while seated but
staff won’t enforce this. Where possible, we will also try to
provide an area where people can move to within the auditorium
(e.g. Upper Circle) if they feel uncomfortable sitting next to
other people.
Social distancing will remain in place for dance/theatre classes in
the short term.
Face Masks – all customers will be strongly advised to wear a
face masks while circulating the building or sitting in auditorium.
However, as detailed above, staff will not be enforcing this and
won’t be challenging customers.
NHS Test & Trace – Customers will be offered the
opportunity to scan the QR code or leave their details, but staff
won’t be enforcing this, and it will be optional for the
customers.
Covid Pass –Customers won’t be asked to provide this
information as it is currently not a legal requirement. However, we
are continuing to monitor Government guidance on this, which may
change once further information is released.
Staff Safety – Staff to continue to wear face masks while
circulating the building or working in a customer facing role.
Screens will remain in place on service points.
Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission
risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts
considered
Service to be available as detailed above.
Safe systems of work in place as agreed with Health & Safety
and Public Health.
Possible impact on income on ticket sales if face masks were made
mandatory in the Hippodrome, similar if we started to use the COVID
Pass.
Possible effect on staffing levels with staff having to
self-isolate with having increased number of people in the building
at one time for shows. If a large number of staff had to
self-isolate it could mean temporary closure or reduction in
offer.
Equality Impacts - consider separate impact assessment where
appropriate
None
Decision:
To make changes where appropriate with effect
from 19 July 2021 as detailed above.
To allow the public to visit Darlington Hippodrome to see shows in
line with Government guidance whilst adhering to safe systems of
work as agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.
This is considered the best way to move forward with shows at the
Hippodrome while still following Government guidance. We have
introduced new technology to assist in social distancing going
forward and this will help us to operate a safer building for the
general public (e.g. ticket scanners, mobile credit card machines,
pre-order app).
Alternative options considered:
None
Publication date: 26/07/2021
Date of decision: 19/07/2021