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