Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland

2021 No. 93

Public Health

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

Made

at 8.00 p.m. on 7th April 2021

Laid before the Assembly

at 9.00 a.m. on 8th April 2021

Coming into operation

on 9th April 2021

The Department of Health M1, makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 25C(1), (3)(c), (4)(d) and 25F(2) of the Public Health Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 M2.

These Regulations are made in response to the serious and imminent threat to public health which is posed by the incidence and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health considers that the restrictions and requirements imposed by these Regulations are proportionate to what they seek to achieve, which is a public health response to that threat.

In accordance with section 25Q of that Act the Department of Health is of the opinion that, by reason of urgency, it is necessary to make these Regulations without a draft having been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.

Marginal Citations

M1Formerly the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety; see 2016 c. 5 (N.I.), s. 1(5)

M21967 c. 36 (N.I.). Part 1A was inserted by section 48 of, and Schedule 18 to, the Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7)

PART 1N.I.INTRODUCTORY

Citation, commencement and interpretationN.I.

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and shall come into operation on 9th April 2021.

(2) In these Regulations—

F1...

“bed and breakfast accommodation”, “bunkhouse”, “guest accommodation”, “guesthouse”, “hostel” and “self-catering establishment” shall mean the premises of any establishment allocated a certificate under Article 13 of the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 M3

F2...

[F3“close contact service” means a service listed in Schedule 2]

“coronavirus” means severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2);

F4...

F2...

F5...

F6...

“enforcement officer” means a person designated by a district council under Regulation 18(1) for the purposes of these Regulations;

F7...

“harbour terminal”, “hotel” and “resident” have the meanings given to them in [F8Article] 2(2) of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996;

F9...

“intoxicating liquor” has the meaning given in [F10Article] 2(2) of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 M4;

[F11“office premises” means a building or part thereof used for the purpose of administrative, clerical, technical, professional or similar activities;]

“private dwelling” is a dwelling occupied by a person as their only or main residence and includes any garden, yard, passage, stair, outhouse or other appurtenance of the dwelling;

[F12“qualifying individual” means [F13a person] referred to in regulation 16B;]

[F12“relevant event” means an event referred to in regulation 16D;]

“relevant officer” means a constable or an enforcement officer;

[F12“relevant premises” means an event referred to in regulation 16E;]

F14...

F15...

[F11“shop” means any building, room or other indoor establishment which is open to the public in whole or in part and is used wholly or mainly for the purposes of retail sale or hire of goods or services but not including-

(i)

premises (other than registered pharmacies) providing wholly or mainly medical or dental services, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractic, osteopathic, optometry or other medical services including services relating to mental health; and

(ii)

fitness studios, gyms, dance studios, leisure centres, swimming pools or water parks;]

“table” includes a counter or other structure which serves the purpose of a table and which is not used wholly or partly as a bar for the service of food or drink [F16but does not include a pool table, snooker table or other games table];

[F12“test of competence to drive” means the test established by Article 5 of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981;]

[F17“tourist accommodation” means a bed and breakfast establishment, hotel, bunkhouse, hostel, guest accommodation, self-catering establishment or guest house [F18, or other accommodation provided to tourists for payment.]]

[F12“vehicle” has the meaning given by Article 3(1) of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.]

(3) For the purposes of these Regulations—

[F19(a)a “person responsible”—

(i)for carrying on a business or providing a service or operating any premises includes the owner, proprietor and manager of that business or service or those premises; and

(ii)in relation to a relevant event, means the person responsible for organising that event, or the person responsible for the management of the premises at which the event is held or to be held if no other person is responsible for organising the event;]

(b)there is a gathering when two or more persons are present together in the same place in order to engage in any form of social interaction with each other, or to undertake any other activity with each other;

(c)a place is indoor if it would be considered to be enclosed or substantially enclosed for the purposes of regulation 2 of the Smoke-free (Premises, Vehicle Operators and Penalty Notices) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 M5, and otherwise a place is outdoor;

(d)in relation to any premises of a business or members' club selling or supplying food and drink or intoxicating liquor, an area adjacent to the premises where seating, tables or other facilities are made available for customers of the business or members' club (whether or not by the business or members' club) is to be treated as part of the premises.

[F20(e)a person is to be treated as seated if they are temporarily standing for the purposes of entering or exiting the premises, accessing a table, making a payment, accessing a buffet or carvery or accessing and using a toilet, baby changing or breast feeding facilities or a smoking area.]

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

PART 2N.I.RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO PREMISES ETC.

[F21Premises and businesses required to closeN.I.

2.—(1) Listed premises” and “listed businesses” means the premises and businesses listed in Schedule 1.

(2) A person responsible for listed premises or a listed business must close those premises or cease to operate that business.

(3) Where listed premises or a listed business form part of larger premises or a larger business, the person responsible for those larger premises or business complies with paragraph (1) by closing only the listed premises or listed business.]

Textual Amendments

[F22Requirements on retail premisesN.I.

3.  A person responsible for a shop–

(a)must carry out a risk assessment which complies with the requirements of regulation 9(5)(a)

(b)must retain the risk assessment referred to in subparagraph (a) on the premises and make it available immediately for inspection by visitors to the premises or to a relevant officer on request; and

(c)must take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus in accordance with regulation 9(5)(b).]

Textual Amendments

[F23[F24Restrictions on theatres, concert halls [F25, conference and exhibition venues] and other indoor venues] N.I.

[F264.—(1) This regulation applies to the following premises—

(a)theatres;

(b)concert halls; F27...

(c)indoor venues, other than private dwellings and those set out in subparagraphs (a) and (b), when used for the purpose of a performance, recording or rehearsal [F28; and]

[F29(d)venues used for the purposes of a conference or exhibition.]]

(2) A person responsible for organising or operating an indoor gathering in any venue to which this regulation applies must take reasonable steps to—

F30[F31(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F32(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F33(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F34(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

(e)carry out a risk assessment which complies with the requirements of regulation 9(5)(a) F35...;

(f)retain the risk assessment referred to in subparagraph (e) on the premises and make it available immediately for inspection by visitors to the premises or to a relevant [F36officer] on request;

[F37(g)prevent dancing by visitors indoors on the premises except at an event to celebrate a wedding or civil partnership;]

(h)limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus in accordance with regulation 9(5)(b);

(i)comply with the duty in regulation 15 (Visitor and Attendee Information) [F38, or in the case of an indoor gathering which meets the requirements in paragraph (2A), comply with the duty in regulation 15A]; [F39and]

F40(j). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F41(k). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F42(l). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F43(2A) The requirements referred to in paragraph (2)(i) are –

(a)the gathering has a scheduled start time, in advance of which all attendees at the gathering are expected to arrive; and

(b)the gathering is one for which visitors and attendees have obtained tickets in advance of the start time.]

F44(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F45(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F46(5) In this regulation “visitors” [F47and “attendees” do] not include staff of the venue, performers at the venue or organisers, speakers or presenters at a conference or exhibition at the venue.]

F48(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

Restrictions on licenced and unlicenced premisesN.I.

[F495.—(1) A person responsible for carrying on a business or a members’ club which sells or provides food or drink (whether or not including intoxicating liquor) for consumption on the premises [F50(other than premises to which F51... [F52regulation [F532 or] 4] applies)]—

F54(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F55(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F56(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F57(d)must not permit dancing indoors by visitors on the premises except at an event to celebrate a wedding or civil partnership;]

F58(da). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e)must comply with the duty in regulation 15 (Visitor and Attendee Information) F59...;

F60(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F61(fa). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F62(g). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(h)must carry out a risk assessment which complies with the requirements of regulation 9(5)(a) F63...

F63(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F64(ii). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(i)must retain the risk assessment referred to in subparagraph (h) on the premises and make it available immediately for inspection by visitors to the premises or to a relevant person on request;

(j)must take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus in accordance with regulation 9(5)(b) [F65.]

F66(k). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F67(l). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68(m). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69(n). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F70(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F71(3) (a) This paragraph applies to premises which are specified in an occasional licence granted under article 30 of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and which are wholly or mainly outdoors.

(b)A person responsible for carrying on a business or a members’ club at premises to which this paragraph applies must –

(i)carry out a risk assessment which complies with the requirements of regulation 9(5)(a);

(ii)retain the risk assessment referred to in head (i) on the premises and make it available immediately for inspection by visitors to the premises or to a relevant [F72officer] on request; F73...

(iii)take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus in accordance with regulation 9(5)(b) [F74;]

F75[F76(iv). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(v)comply with the duty in regulation 15 (Visitor and Attendee Information).]]]

Textual Amendments

[F77Restrictions on tourist accommodationN.I.

6.  A person responsible for carrying on the business of, providing the service of, or operating any tourist accommodation must take reasonable steps to—

(a)comply with the duty in regulation 15 (Visitor and Attendee Information) [F78.]

F79(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

Restrictions on take-away food businessesN.I.

F807.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Restrictions on LibrariesN.I.

F818.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 3N.I.RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO GATHERINGS AND EVENTS

Restrictions on gatheringsN.I.

9.—(1) This Regulation does not apply to a gathering which is a rave or a large house party (see Regulation 10) [F82, an indoor standing event (see Regulation 11)] F83... or a gathering in a private dwelling (see Regulation 12).

[F84(2) A person responsible for organising or operating an indoor gathering must, if the event consists or is expected to consist of more than 15 persons, fulfil the conditions in paragraph (5).]

[F85(3) —

(a)A person responsible for organising or operating an outdoor gathering must, if the event consists or is expected to consist of more than 30 persons, fulfil the conditions in paragraph (5).

F86(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

F87(3A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F88(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) The conditions [F89which must be fulfilled by a person to whom this paragraph applies] are that the person F90...—

(a)has carried out an appropriate risk assessment (see paragraph 10); and

(b)takes all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus, including implementing the preventive and protective measures identified in the appropriate risk assessment undertaken under sub-paragraph (a) F91... .

[F92(6) A person who is required to comply with the conditions in paragraph (5) must, if requested to do so by a relevant officer, give that relevant officer a copy of the appropriate risk assessment referred to in paragraph (5)(a) and an account of the measures referred to in paragraph (5)(b) as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within twenty-four hours of the request.]

(7) In addition to the other requirements of this Regulation—

(a)a person attending, or responsible for organising or operating, a funeral or a service associated with a funeral must comply with [F93“Guidance for handling the infection risks when caring for the deceased and managing funerals”]F94 issued by the Department of Health but failure to do so does not constitute an offence under regulation 22;

F95(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c)The person responsible for organising or operating a funeral or a service associated with a funeral includes the person operating the place where it takes place and the funeral director making the funeral arrangements.

(8) In addition to the other requirements of this Regulation, a person responsible for organising or operating a marriage ceremony or civil partnership ceremony must take reasonable steps to—

F96(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)comply with the duty in Regulation 15 (Visitor and Attendee Information).

(9) This Regulation does not apply to a gathering which arises for the purpose of enabling a person to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm, or to provide emergency or medical assistance to a person.

(10) An appropriate risk assessment is an assessment carried out by the person responsible for organising or operating a gathering for the purpose of identifying and evaluating—

(a)the nature and magnitude of the risk of infection, contamination and transmission of coronavirus arising in the course, or as a result, of the organisation or operation of the gathering; and

(b)measures which are reasonably practicable to take to avoid, mitigate or eliminate those risks including—

(i)those which prioritise the greatest communal protection;

(ii)those designed to replace practices with less hazardous ones; and

(iii)the use of clear and concise verbal and written instructions.

Textual Amendments

F94https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/interim-guidance-for-funeral-directors.pdf

Restrictions on raves and large house partiesN.I.

10.—(1) A person must not organise or operate a rave or a large house party.

(2) No person may participate in a gathering prohibited under paragraph (1).

(3) (a) “Large house party” means an indoor F97... gathering of more than 30 persons at a private dwelling;

(b)“Rave” means a private indoor F97... gathering of [F98more than 30] persons (whether or not at a private dwelling) at which amplified music is played during the night with or without intermission which is likely to cause serious distress to inhabitants of the locality by reason of its loudness, duration and the time at which it is played.

(4) “Amplified music” includes sounds wholly or predominantly characterised by the emission of a succession of repetitive beats.

Textual Amendments

[F9911.—(1) A person must not attend, organise or operate an indoor standing event.

(2) “Indoor standing event” means a gathering which–

(a)takes place indoors, and

(b)consists of persons (not including staff of the venue, performers at the venue or organisers, speakers or presenters) who are not all seated.

(3) This Regulation does not apply to an event which is–

(a)a funeral, marriage ceremony or a civil partnership registration,

(b)a reception or gathering which relates to a funeral, marriage ceremony or civil partnership registration, or

(c)communal religious worship at a place of worship or communal activity at a place where beliefs are practiced.]

Textual Amendments

Restriction on gatherings: private dwellingsN.I.

12.—F100(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F101(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F102(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F103(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F104(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) A person attending, or a person responsible for organising or operating, a gathering for the purpose of a funeral or an event associated with a funeral [F105at a private dwelling] must comply with [F106“Guidance for handling the infection risks when caring for the deceased and managing funeralsF107”] issued by the Department of Health but failure to do so does not constitute an offence under regulation 22.

F108(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F107https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/interim-guidance-for-funeral-directors.pdf

PART 4N.I.RESTRICTIONS ON MOVEMENT ETC.

[F109Social DistancingN.I.

13.—(1) A person (P) responsible for the organisation or operation of office premises must take reasonable measures to ensure that P’s servants and agents and visitors to the premises comply with social distancing measures at all times.

(2) “Social distancing measures” means measures for the purpose of minimising the risk of exposure to, or spread of, coronavirus and includes ensuring that—

(a)P’s servants, agents and visitors to the premises are provided with information on how to minimise the risk of exposure to and the spread of coronavirus;

(b)P’s servants, agents and visitors to the premises maintain a distance of 2 metres from each other (unless members of the same household) and that they are assisted in doing so by alteration of the layout of the premises, managing and controlling the use of points of entry, exit and shared facilities (such as toilets) and managing and controlling the means of moving from one part of the premises to another;

(c)persons waiting to enter the premises maintain a distance of 2 metres from each other (unless members of the same household); and

(d)the premises are regularly cleaned, hygiene is maintained and points or places which are likely to be used frequently by servants, agents and visitors (such as entry barriers and gates and card terminals) are regularly sanitised.

(3) Where it is not reasonably practicable for a social distance of 2 metres to be maintained between persons, P must take reasonable steps to ensure that—

(a)close face to face contact between persons is limited;

(b)barriers or screens are installed and maintained; and

(c)personal protective equipment is used where appropriate and is made readily available.

Textual Amendments

Restrictions on movementN.I.

F11014.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

PART 5N.I.REQUIREMENTS ETC.

Visitor and Attendee InformationN.I.

15.—(1) This regulation applies to a person—

(a)providing close contact services (see regulation 16);

[F111(b)carrying on a business of selling or providing food or drink (including intoxicating liquor) for consumption on the premises (see regulation 5);]

[F112(ba)responsible for an indoor attraction including an amusement arcade, a bingo hall, a museum, a gallery or a cinema;

(bb)responsible for an indoor swimming or diving pool;

(bc)responsible for an indoor sports or exercise facility including a soft play area, a leisure centre, a gym, an equestrian centre, a venue relating to motor sport or an activity centre;

(bd)responsible for carrying on the business of, providing the service of, or operating any tourist accommodation;]

(c)responsible for organising or operating a gathering which is a marriage ceremony [F113or a civil partnership ceremony] (see regulation 9); [F114or]

[F115(d)responsible for premises to which [F116regulation 4 or] regulation 5(3) applies [F117, other than when a gathering meeting the conditions in Regulation 4(2A) is taking place (see Regulation 15A)].]

(2) A person to whom this regulation applies must—

(a)where visitor or attendee information is not provided in advance, obtain that information at the time of the visit or attendance;

(b)record that information in a filing system (which may be an electronic system) suitable for recording, storing and retrieving the information;

(c)retain that information for a period of 21 days beginning with the date on which the visit or attendance took place; and

(d)destroy that information as soon as reasonably practicable after the expiry of that period unless there is some other lawful basis for its retention.

(3) A person to whom this regulation applies must provide visitor and attendee information to a relevant officer as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within 24 hours of a relevant officer requesting it for the purpose of—

(a)preventing a threat to public health resulting from the spread of infection or contamination with coronavirus; and

(b)monitoring its spread and incidence.

(4) “Visitor and attendee information” means—

(a)the name and telephone number of each visitor and attendee over the age of 16; and

(b)the date of their visit or attendance and the time of their arrival.

Textual Amendments

[F11815A.—(1) This regulation applies to a person responsible for organising a gathering in premises to which Regulation 4 applies and which meets the conditions in Regulation 4(2A).

(2) A person to whom this regulation applies must —

(a)where visitor or attendee information is not provided in advance, obtain that information at the time of the visit or attendance;

(b)record that information in a filing system (which may be an electronic system) suitable for recording, storing and retrieving the information;

(c)retain that information for a period of 21 days beginning with the date on which the visit or attendance took place; and

(d)destroy that information as soon as reasonably practicable after the expiry of that period unless there is some other lawful basis for its retention.

(3) A person to whom this regulation applies must provide visitor and attendee information to a relevant officer as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within 24 hours of a relevant officer requesting it for the purpose of –

(a)preventing a threat to public health resulting from the spread of infection or contamination with coronavirus; and

(b)monitoring its spread and incidence.

[F119(4)] “visitor and attendee information” means–

(a)the name and telephone number of each visitor and attendee over the age of 16, or the name and telephone number of a person P who obtained the ticket for that visitor, provided P is present at the gathering with that visitor or attendee;

(b)the date of their visit or attendance; and

(c)the name and start time of the gathering which they are attending.]

Textual Amendments

Restrictions on close contact servicesN.I.

[F12016.—F121(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) A person providing a close contact service must comply with the duty in Regulation 15 (Visitor and Attendee Information).

(3) [F122Paragraph (2) does not apply] to a close contact service where it is—

(a)provided for the purpose of film or television production;

(b)ancillary to medical, health and social care services; or

(c)driving instruction for the test of competence to drive a vehicle provided by, or on behalf of, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust, or the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Board.]

Textual Amendments

[F123PART 5AN.I.REQUIREMENTS: ENTRY AND PRESENCE ON PREMISES ETC

Textual Amendments

Interpretation of this PartN.I.

16A.—(1) For the purposes of this Part, where two or more events are taking place at the same place and at the same time, those events are to be treated as a single event unless those attending one event are, at all times, unable to make physical contact with those attending any other event.

(2) Where two or more events are treated as a single event in accordance with paragraph (1) a person responsible for any one event is also a person responsible for that single event.

Qualifying individualN.I.

16B.—(1) A “qualifying individual” may attend a relevant event or enter and remain on relevant premises.

(2) A qualifying individual is an individual who can evidence their Covid status in accordance with regulation 16C.

(3) A person (P) [F124is required not to] use, make, adapt, supply or offer to supply to another person false or misleading evidence of Covid status which P knows is false or misleading.

Textual Amendments

Supporting evidenceN.I.

16C.—(1) A person (P) may provide evidence of their Covid status through—

(a)certification in paper or electronic form that P has completed a course of doses of an authorised vaccine with the final dose having been received at least 14 days before the relevant time;

(b)certification by text or email through the NHS Covid-19 reporting app of a negative result of a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test or a negative result of an on-site COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test, in each case taken [F125on the same calendar day, or one calendar day before, the day of the] relevant time

(c)a valid notification of a positive result of a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test taken no earlier than 30 days, and no later than 180 days, before the relevant time;

(d)confirmation in writing of their participation (current or past) in a clinical trial for vaccination against coronavirus from the organiser of that trial;

(e)evidence provided through the Northern Ireland Covid Certification process for medical exemption, or an equivalent process in P’s place of residence if P is not resident in Northern Ireland, of a clinical reason for not being vaccinated with any authorised vaccine.

(2) Evidence referred to in this regulation [F126which does not itself contain a photograph of P] must include or be accompanied by a document confirming P’s identity which contains P’s name as stated on the evidence F127..., and a photograph of P

(3) In this Part—

(a)“Valid notification” means a notification containing the following information—

(i)that P is the person from who the test sample was taken,

(ii)P’s age or date of birth,

(iii)the result of the test sample which is positive for coronavirus,

(iv)the date on which the test sample was tested by the test provider, and

(v)a statement that the test was a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test [F128(or other lab test)];

(b)“relevant time” means the time when the qualifying individual seeks to enter relevant premises or attend a relevant event; and

(c)“authorised vaccine” and “clinical trial” have the meanings given in schedule 2B of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (2021 No.99).

Textual Amendments

Event subject to this PartN.I.

16D.—(1) This Part applies to the following “relevant events”—

(a)[F129(subject to regulation 11)] an event that consists or is expected to consist of more than 10,000 people, including attendees, staff, performers and persons responsible for the event, at any one time;

(b)[F130(subject to regulation 11)] an event that—

(i)will take place wholly or mainly indoors,

(ii)consists of or is expected to consist of 500 or more people, including attendees, staff, performers and persons responsible for the event, at any one time, and

(iii)where not all of the attendees will be seated;

(c)an event that—

(i)will take place wholly or mainly outdoors,

(ii)consists of or is expected to consist of 4,000 or more people, including attendees, staff, performers and persons responsible for the event, at any one time, and

(iii)where not all of the attendees will be seated.

(2) This Part does not apply to an exempt event listed in Schedule 2A.

F131(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Premises subject to this PartN.I.

[F13216E.—(1) This part applies to the “relevant premises” as listed in paragraphs (2) to (8), but not exempt premises listed in paragraph (9).

(2) Premises (whether indoor or outdoor):

(a)in which intoxicating liquor is sold or provided for consumption on the premises (whether indoor or outdoor), or

(b)to which the public have access where consumption of intoxicating liquor is permitted;

(3) theatres.

(4) concert halls.

(5) cinemas.

(6) indoor premises other than private dwellings when used for the purpose of a performance, recording or rehearsal.

(7) premises used for the purposes of a conference or exhibition.

(8) premises hosting a relevant event (other than an exempt event listed in Schedule 2A).

(9) The exempt premises for the purposes of paragraph (2) are:

(a)such premises at a port or airport;

(b)the cross-border inter-city rail service between Dublin and Belfast “the Enterprise”;

(c)a place of worship during a service;

(d)premises of educational establishments other than those parts of the premises where intoxicating liquor may be consumed on the premises; or

(e)premises, or parts thereof, being used solely for the purposes of blood donation at the time they are being so used.]

Textual Amendments

Requirements: entry to premises and attendance at eventsN.I.

16F.—(1) This regulation applies to all relevant events (other than an exempt event listed in Schedule 2A) and all relevant premises.

(2) The person (P) responsible for relevant premises [F133or the person responsible for organising an indoor gathering in a relevant premises] or [F133the person responsible for] a relevant event must [F134not permit] a person [F135other than a person] referred to in paragraph (4) F136... to enter or remain on relevant premises or enter or remain at a relevant event.

(3) P must ensure that there is in operation [F137an effective] system for—

[F138(a)ensuring that only a person referred to in paragraph (4) may enter relevant premises or a relevant event; and]

(b)removing from, or refusing access to, those premises or that event anyone found F139... not to be such a person.

(4) Those persons are—

(a)a qualifying individual;

(b)a relevant officer;

(c)an emergency service responder;

(d)a person employed at, or responsible for, at the relevant premises or relevant event;

(e)in tourist accommodation, a resident, except when the resident is in a part of the tourist accommodation to which the public have access and in which intoxicating liquor may be consumed;

(f)a person under the age of 18 years;

(g)a person providing services in a relevant place at a time when no member of the public is in attendance at that place; or

(h)a person carrying out a public service function or essential repairs or maintenance at the relevant premises or relevant event.

(5) In preparing [F140an effective] system for the purposes of paragraph (3), P must have regard to any guidance issued by the Department of Health or any other government department.

(6) The requirement to have a system in place for the purposes of this regulation includes a requirement to process any personal data necessary for the system to operate.

Textual Amendments

Requirements: written statementN.I.

16G.—(1) A person (P) who is subject to a requirement under regulation 16F must keep a written statement describing the system referred to in regulation 16F(3).

(2) P must retain the statement referred to in paragraph (1) while these Regulations are in force, and for a further period of three months starting with the day after that on which these Regulations cease to have effect and produce the statement—

(a)immediately when P receives notice of a requirement imposed under regulation 20(1) from a relevant officer, F141...

(b)during the course of an inspection carried out under that regulation [F142; and]

[F143(c)make the statement available to visitors upon request.]]

Textual Amendments

Requirement in relation to social distancingN.I.

F14417.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Enforcement Officers and Premises Improvement NoticesN.I.

18.—(1) A district council may designate a person as an enforcement officer for the purposes of these Regulations.

(2) An enforcement officer may exercise the powers of a constable in relation to regulations [F1454] to 8 [F145,15,16, 16B and [F14616F] to 16G].

(3) An enforcement officer may issue a notice (a “premises improvement notice”) to a person (P) responsible for carrying on a business at, or providing services from, the premises to which the notice relates if the enforcement officer considers that—

(a)P is not complying with a requirement imposed on P under regulations [F1474] to 8 [F147,15,16, 16B and [F14816F] to 16G]; and

(b)the measures specified in the notice are [F149reasonably] necessary and proportionate in order to ensure that P does so comply.

(4) A premises improvement notice must specify the—

(a)premises to which it relates;

(b)measures the enforcement officer [F150reasonably] requires P to take in order to ensure that P complies with a requirement under regulations [F1514] to 8 [F151,15,16, 16B and [F15216F] to 16G]; and

(c)time limit, which must not be less than 48 hours beginning with the time the notice is issued, within which the measures must be taken.

(5) An enforcement officer must issue a notice terminating a premises improvement notice (a “termination notice”) if satisfied that—

(a)the measures specified in the premises improvement notice have been taken; or

(b)other measures have been taken to [F153reasonably] ensure that regulations [F1544] to 8 [F154,15,16, 16B and [F15516F] to 16G] are complied with.

(6) A premises improvement notice ceases to have effect upon the issue of a termination notice.

(7) A premises improvement notice or a termination notice is issued by giving P a written copy of it.

(8) Where P is not on the premises to which a notice relates when it is to be issued, the notice is to be treated as having been issued to P—

(a)if a written copy of it is given to another person on the premises who appears to be involved in the business or service in question; or

(b)if there is no such person on the premises at that time, a written copy of the notice is placed in a conspicuous position on or at the premises.

(9) As soon as reasonably practicable after issuing a premises improvement notice, the enforcement officer must—

(a)display a copy of the notice, and a sign in the form set out in Schedule 3, in a prominent place near every entrance to the premises; and

(b)arrange for the notice to be published on the website of the district council for the local government district in which the premises are located.

(10) A notice or sign referred to in sub-paragraph (9)(a) must be at least A4 size.

(11) A person must not remove a notice or sign required to be displayed under paragraph (9)(a) for as long as it has effect.

Textual Amendments

Linked HouseholdsN.I.

F15619.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 6N.I.ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement of requirementN.I.

20.—(1) A relevant officer may take any action necessary to establish whether a breach of these Regulations has occurred or to enforce a requirement imposed under these Regulations.

(2) A relevant officer may give a prohibition notice to a person (P) if the relevant officer reasonably believes that—

(a)P is contravening a requirement under these Regulations; and

(b)it is [F157reasonably] necessary and proportionate to give the prohibition notice for the purpose of preventing P from continuing to contravene the requirement.

(3) A prohibition notice must specify the—

(a)contravention to which it relates; [F158and]

(b)measures the enforcement officer [F159reasonably] requires P to take in order to ensure that P [F160complies with the requirement.]

F161(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F162(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F163(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) A prohibition notice F164... is issued by giving P a written copy of it, but where P is not on premises to which a notice relates when it is to be issued, the notice is to be treated as having been issued to P—

(a)if a written copy of it is given to another person on the premises who appears to be involved in the business or service in question; or

(b)if there is no such person on the premises at that time, a written copy of the notice is placed in a conspicuous position on or at the premises.

(7) A relevant officer may direct a person (P) to return to the place where P normally lives where—

(a)the relevant officer considers that P is outside of the place where P normally lives; and

(b)that P is engaged in, or is intending to engage in, activity prohibited by these Regulations.

(8) Where a relevant officer considers that there is a gathering in contravention of Part 3, the relevant officer may—

(a)direct the gathering to disperse;

(b)direct a person at the gathering to return to the place where they normally live; or

(c)remove a person from the gathering and in doing so use reasonable force.

(9) Where a person who is in a gathering in contravention of Part 3, is a child accompanied by an individual who has responsibility for the child—

(a)the relevant officer may direct that individual to take the child to the place where the child normally lives; and

(b)that individual must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure that the child complies with a direction or instruction given by the relevant officer to the child.

(10) Where a relevant officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is repeatedly failing to comply with the restriction under Part 3, the relevant officer may direct an individual who has responsibility for the child to secure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the child complies with that restriction.

(11) A relevant officer may only exercise the power under this regulation if the relevant officer considers that it is a necessary and proportionate means of ensuring compliance with any restriction or requirement in these Regulations.

(12) A relevant officer exercising a power under this regulation may give the person concerned any reasonable instruction the relevant officer considers to be necessary.

(13) For the purposes of this regulation—

(a)“child” means a person under the age of 18;

(b)an individual has responsibility for a child if the individual—

(i)has custody or charge of the child for the time being; or

(ii)has parental responsibility for the child (within the meaning of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 M6).

(c)references to a requirement include references to a restriction.

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

M6S.I. 1995/ 755 (N.I. 2)

Appeals against noticesN.I.

21.—(1) A person to whom a premises improvement notice or a prohibition notice (a “notice”) is issued may appeal to a court of summary jurisdiction against the notice if it contains a requirement or restriction to which this regulation applies and to which a person would not be subject but for the notice.

(2) This regulation applies to a requirement or restriction in a notice that a person—

(a)wear protective clothing;

(b)close premises or part of premises;

(c)provide information or answer questions about the person's health or other circumstances;

(d)attend training or advice sessions on how to reduce the risk of infecting or contaminating others;

(e)disinfect or decontaminate premises or a part of premises or a thing;

(f)abstain from working or trading.

(3) An appeal must be made—

(a)to a court of summary jurisdiction in accordance with Article 76 of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 M7; and

(b)within a period of 7 days beginning with the day the notice is issued.

(4) A court of summary jurisdiction may allow an appeal to be made after the expiry of the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (3)(b) if satisfied that there is a good reason for the failure to appeal before the expiry of that period and for any delay in applying for permission to appeal out of time.

(5) A court of summary jurisdiction may suspend the effect of a notice pending the determination of an appeal.

(6) On an appeal against a notice, a court of summary jurisdiction may—

(a)confirm the decision to issue the notice;

(b)direct that the notice is to cease to have effect;

(c)modify the notice; or

(d)make any other order it considers appropriate.

(7) An appeal by either party against the decision of a court of summary jurisdiction under this regulation may be made under Article 143(3)(c) of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 to the county court which may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the court of summary jurisdiction.

Marginal Citations

M7S.I. 1981/ 1675 (N.I. 26)

Offences and PenaltiesN.I.

22.—(1) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes a requirement under F165... these Regulations, commits an offence.

(2) A person who, without reasonable excuse, obstructs a person carrying out a function under these Regulations commits an offence.

(3) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes a direction or fails to comply with a reasonable instruction, or fails to comply with an improvement notice given by an enforcement officer under regulation 18 or a prohibition notice given by a relevant officer under regulation 20, commits an offence.

(4) An offence—

(a)under regulation [F166[F1674] to 8], 10(1), [F16716, 16B and [F16816F] to 16G] is punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding £10,000;

(b)under any other provision referred to in this regulation, is punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(5) Article 26 of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 M8 applies in relation to an offence under this regulation as if the reasons in paragraph (5) of that Article included—

(a)to maintain public health;

(b)to maintain public order.

(6) For the purposes of this regulation, references to a requirement include references to a restriction.

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

Fixed Penalty NoticesN.I.

23.—(1) A relevant officer may issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone that the constable reasonably believes has committed an offence under these Regulations and is aged 18 or over.

(2) A fixed penalty notice is a notice offering the person to whom it is issued the opportunity of discharging a liability to conviction for the offence by payment of a fixed penalty to the authority specified in the notice.

(3) The authority specified in the notice must be—

(a)in the case of a notice issued by an enforcement officer, the district council in whose area the offence is alleged to have been committed; or

(b)in the case of a notice issued by a constable, the clerk of petty sessions.

(4) Where a person is issued with a notice under this regulation for an offence—

(a)no proceedings may be taken for the offence before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day immediately following the date of the notice;

(b)the person may not be convicted of the offence if the person pays the fixed penalty before the end of that period.

(5) A fixed penalty notice must—

(a)give reasonably detailed particulars of the circumstances alleged to constitute the offence;

(b)state the period during which (because of paragraph (4)(a)) proceedings will not be taken for the offence;

(c)specify the amount of the fixed penalty;

(d)state the name and address of the person to whom the fixed penalty must be paid;

(e)specify permissible methods of payment;

(f)inform the person to whom it is given of the right to ask to be tried for the offence.

(6) In the case of an offence consisting of—

(a)a breach of regulation [F169[F1704] to 8], 10(1), [F170, 16, 16B and 16E to 16G];

(b)obstruction referred to in regulation 22(2) which is committed in connection with the breach referred to in paragraph (a);

(c)contravention or non-compliance referred to in regulation 22(3) which is committed in connection with the breach referred to in paragraph (a), the amount specified under paragraph (5)(c) must be—

(i)£1,000 if a fixed penalty notice is the first one issued to a person for such a breach;

(ii)£2,000 if a fixed penalty notice is the second one issued to a person for such a breach;

(iii)£4,000 if a fixed penalty notice is the third one issued to a person for such a breach;

(iv)£10,000 if a fixed penalty notice is the fourth one, or a subsequent one, issued to a person for such a breach.

(d)For the purposes of paragraph (c) a breach of a requirement of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 may be treated as a breach of the same requirement of these regulations.

(7) In the case of an offence consisting of—

(a)a breach of any other provision of these Regulations;

(b)obstruction referred to in regulation 22(2) which is committed in connection with the breach referred to in paragraph (a);

(c)contravention or non-compliance referred to in regulation 22(3) which is committed in connection with the breach referred to in paragraph (a), the notice must specify that the amount of the fixed penalty is—

(i)£200; or

(ii)£100 if that amount is paid before the end of the period of 14 days following the date of the notice.

(8) A person who has previously been issued with a fixed penalty notice for an offence referred to in paragraph (7) (“offence A”)—

(a)shall not be issued with a fixed penalty notice for a further offence committed in connection with, offence A; but

(b)may be issued with a fixed penalty notice for a different offence under that paragraph (offence B) which is unconnected with offence A.

(9) Despite a fixed penalty notice specifying some other method of payment under paragraph (5)(e), payment of a fixed penalty may be effected by posting to the person whose name is stated under paragraph (5)(d), at the stated address, a pre-paid letter containing the amount of the penalty (in cash or otherwise).

(10) Where a letter is sent as mentioned in paragraph (9), payment is regarded as having been made at the time at which that letter would be delivered in the ordinary course of post.

(11) In the case of a notice issued by an enforcement officer, the payment received by a district council under this regulation accrues to that council.

(12) In any proceedings, a certificate—

(a)that purports to be signed by or on behalf of the authority specified in the notice; and

(b)states that the payment of a fixed penalty was, or was not, received by the date specified in the certificate;

is evidence of the facts stated.

Textual Amendments

PART 7N.I.REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES ETC.

Effect of fixed penalty noticeN.I.

24.—(1) This regulation applies if a fixed penalty notice is issued to a person under regulation 23.

(2) If the person asks to be tried for the alleged offence, proceedings may be brought against the person.

(3) If after the end of the period of 28 days referred to in regulation 23(4)(a)—

(a)the penalty has not been paid; and

(b)the person has not made a request to be tried for the alleged offence;

a sum equal to one and a half times the amount of the penalty (“default amount”) may be registered under regulation 26 for enforcement against the person (“the defaulter”) as a fine.

(4) Paragraph (3) does not apply to a fixed penalty under these Regulations of £1,000 or more.

Registration certificatesN.I.

25.—(1) This regulation applies where a default amount under regulation 24 may be registered under regulation 26 for enforcement against a defaulter as a fine.

(2) The Chief Constable or an enforcement officer—

(a)may, in the case of a default amount, issue a certificate (a “registration certificate”) stating that it is registrable under regulation 26 for enforcement against the defaulter as a fine; and

(b)must cause a certificate so issued to be sent to the clerk of petty sessions.

(3) The Chief Constable may authorise a person to carry out the functions of the Chief Constable under paragraph (2).

(4) A registration certificate must—

(a)give particulars of the offence to which the penalty notice relates, and

(b)state the name and last known address of the defaulter and the default amount.

Registration of penaltyN.I.

26.—(1) Where the clerk of petty sessions receives a registration certificate in respect of a default amount, the clerk must register that amount for enforcement as a fine by entering it in the Order Book of a court of summary jurisdiction.

(2) On registering an amount under this regulation, the clerk of petty sessions must give to the defaulter notice of registration—

(a)specifying the default amount and requiring its payment of it by a date, not less than 28 days from the date of registration, as may be specified in the notice, and

(b)giving the information about the offence included in the registration certificate under regulation 25(4)(a).

(3) On the registration of a default amount in the Order Book, a statutory provision referring (in whatever terms) to a fine imposed or a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction of the court shall have effect in the case in question as if the amount so registered were a fine imposed by that court on the conviction of the defaulter on the date of the registration.

(4) The clerk of petty sessions must refer the case to a district judge (magistrates' courts) for the judge to consider whether to make a collection order under section 3 of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 M9.

(5) An order under paragraph (4) may be made without a court hearing.

(6) Where a collection order is made, the date specified in the order as the date by which the default amount must be paid must, unless the court directs otherwise, be the same as the date specified in the notice of registration under paragraph (2)(a).

Marginal Citations

Challenge to noticeN.I.

27.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a)a person (P) who has received notice of the registration of a default amount under regulation 26 makes a statutory declaration to the effect mentioned in paragraph (2); and

(b)that declaration is served on the clerk of petty sessions within 21 days of the date on which P received notice of the registration.

(2) The statutory declaration must state—

(a)that P was not the person to whom the relevant fixed penalty notice was given; or

(b)that P gave notice requesting to be tried for the alleged offence as permitted by the fixed penalty notice before the end of the period of 28 days specified in that fixed penalty notice.

(3) Where paragraph (2)(a) applies the following shall be void –

(a)the relevant fixed penalty notice;

(b)the registration of the default amount under regulation 26; and

(c)any proceedings taken for its enforcement prior to P's statutory declaration being served.

(4) Where paragraph (2)(b)applies—

(a)the following shall be void—

(i)the registration of the default amount under regulation 26; and

(ii)any proceedings taken for its enforcement prior to P's statutory declaration being served; and

(b)P shall be treated, after P's statutory declaration is served, as if P had given notice requesting to be tried for the alleged offence referred to in P's declaration.

(5) In a case within paragraph (2)(b), Article 19(1)(a) of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (limitation of time) shall have effect as if for the reference to the time when the offence was committed there were substituted a reference to the date of the statutory declaration made for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(6) Paragraph (7) applies where, on the application of P, it appears to a court of summary jurisdiction that it was not reasonable to expect P to serve, within 21 days of the date on which P received the notice referred to in paragraph (1)(a) a statutory declaration to the effect mentioned in paragraph (2).

(7) The court may accept service of a declaration by P after that period has expired and a statutory declaration so accepted shall be taken to have been served as required by paragraph (1)(b).

(8) In this regulation references to proceedings for enforcing payment of the default amount are references to a process issued or other proceedings taken for or in connection with enforcing payment of that amount (including the making of a collection order).

(9) For the purposes of this regulation, P shall be taken to receive notice referred to in paragraph (1) when P receives notice either of registration under regulation 26 or of proceedings for enforcing payment of the registered default amount.

(10) Nothing in this regulation prejudices a right a person may otherwise have in the case of an action purportedly taken under these Regulations which is not in fact authorised by them.

(11) Accordingly, references in this regulation to the registration of a default amount or to any other action taken under these Regulations are not to be read as implying that the registration or action was validly made or taken.

Setting aside of sum enforceable under regulation 26N.I.

28.—(1) A court of summary jurisdiction may, in the interests of justice, set aside a default amount enforceable as a fine under regulation 26.

(2) Where a court sets aside a default amount, it must give a direction that either—

(a)no further action is to be taken for the alleged offence that gave rise to the fixed penalty notice concerned; or

(b)that the case is to be treated as if the person concerned had given notice requesting to be tried for that offence.

(3) Where a court gives a direction under paragraph (2)(a), the following shall be void—

(a)the fixed penalty notice concerned;

(b)the registration of the default amount under regulation 26; and

(c)any proceedings taken for enforcing its payment.

(4) Where a court gives a direction under paragraph (2)(b)—

(a)the following shall be void—

(i)the registration of the default amount under regulation 26; and

(ii)any proceedings taken for enforcing its payment; and

(b)Article 19(1)(a) of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (limitation of time) shall have effect as if for the reference to the time when the offence was committed there were substituted a reference to the date of the setting aside.

(5) In this regulation references to proceedings for enforcing payment of the default amount are references to any process issued or other proceedings taken for or in connection with enforcing payment of that amount (including the making of a collection order).

PART 8N.I.REVOCATIONS, SAVINGS AND EXPIRY

RevocationsN.I.

29.  The following Regulations are revoked—

(a)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M10;

(b)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M11;

(c)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M12;

(d)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M13;

(e)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M14;

(f)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M15

(g)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M16

(h)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 7) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M17

(i)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 8) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M18

(j)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 9) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M19;

(k)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 10) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M20;

(l)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 11) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M21;

(m)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 12) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M22;

(n)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 13) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M23;

(o)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 14) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M24;

(p)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 15) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M25;

(q)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 16) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M26;

(r)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 17) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M27;

(s)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 18) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M28;

(t)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 19) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M29;

(u)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 20) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M30;

(v)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 21) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M31;

(w)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 22) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M32;

(x)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 23) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M33;

(y)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 24) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M34;

(z)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No. 25) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 M35;

(aa)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 M36;

(bb)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 M37;

(cc)(the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No.3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 M38;

(dd)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No.4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 M39; and

(ee)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No.5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 M40;

(ff)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No.6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 M41;

(gg)the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (Amendment No.7) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 M42.

Marginal Citations

SavingsN.I.

30.—(1) Where, under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations 2020 (the “No.2 Regulations”), an offence has been committed but not disposed of before these Regulations come into operation, the No.2 Regulations continue in operation (as they were immediately before these Regulations come into operation) for the purpose of disposing of that offence.

(2) Where—

(a)by virtue of regulation 2 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations 2020 (the “No.2 Regulations”), the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 remained in operation for the purpose of disposing of an offence committed under them but not so disposed of before the No.2 Regulations came into operation; and

(b)that offence remains to be disposed of immediately before these Regulations come into operation;

the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 (and regulation 2 of the No.2 Regulations) shall remain in operation for the purpose of disposing of that offence.

ExpiryN.I.

31.—(1) These Regulations expire on [F17124 March 2022].

(2) This regulation does not affect the validity of anything done pursuant to these Regulations before they expire.

Textual Amendments

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Health at 8.00 pm on 7th April 2021

L.S.

Elizabeth Redmond

A senior officer of the

Department of Health

Regulation 3

F172SCHEDULE 1N.I.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Regulation 2

[F173SCHEDULE 1N.I.

Textual Amendments

Premises and businesses required to closeN.I.

1.  Nightclubs except when used for a purpose other than a nightclub.]

Regulation 16

SCHEDULE 2N.I.Close contact services

1.  “Close contact service” means—N.I.

(a)hairdressing or barbering;

(b)provision of beauty or aesthetics treatments including treatments in relation to nails or makeup;

(c)tattooing;

(d)tanning;

(e)services in spas;

(f)sports and massage therapy;

(g)well-being and holistic therapies;

(h)dress fitting, tailoring and fashion design F174...;

(i)body piercing;

(j)electrolysis;

(k)training in any of the services listed at (a) to (j) F174...;

(l)driving instruction for the test of competence to drive a vehicle other than a motorcycle established by Article 5 of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 M43.

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

F1752.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N.I.

Textual Amendments

Regulation 16D

[F176SCHEDULE 2AN.I.

Textual Amendments

Exempt EventsN.I.

[F1771.  A funeral, marriage ceremony or a civil partnership registration.

Textual Amendments

1A.  A reception or gathering which relates to a funeral, marriage ceremony or civil partnership registration (other than such a reception or gathering held in premises where intoxicating liquor may be consumed on the premises).]

Textual Amendments

2.  A drive-in event

3.  A lawful picket.

4.  An [F178event on an] illuminated trail or pathway.

Textual Amendments

5.  Communal religious worship at a place of worship or communal activity at a place where beliefs are practiced.

6.  An event held at an outdoor public place with no fixed entry points and for which neither tickets nor payment are required.]

Regulation 18

SCHEDULE 3N.I.Sign to be displayed with premises improvement notice

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations revoke and replace the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, with savings. They require the closure of certain businesses, services and premises listed in the Schedule, to protect against the risks to public health arising from coronavirus, except for limited permitted uses. They impose restrictions on gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, unless for certain purposes and the organiser or operator of a gathering may be required to undertake a risk assessment and comply with relevant guidance. They also impose restrictions on gatherings in private dwellings, subject to exceptions.

The need for the restrictions must be reviewed by the Department of Health, with the first review taking place by 15 April 2021.

No regulatory impact assessment has been prepared for these Regulations.