The boss of Cirencester nightclub ReVA has declared 'Christmas is not cancelled' despite the challenges posed by the introduction of Covid passes.

Mandatory Covid passes in nightclubs and other large venues were approved on Tuesday, although nearly 100 Conservative MPs rebelled against the Government to vote against them. Cirencester's representative, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, was among them.

Dan Lafford, director of the Bishops Walk venue, said this year had been 'incredibly difficult'.

"After being restricted for 18 months and finally being able to reopen to full capacity in July, it felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

"Then we were dealt a low blow due to the national concern of spikings and now this."

"Thankfully, our customers are very understanding and are supportive to any safety procedures we put in place.

"Although, it is frustrating implementing new rules, it is important to see the bigger picture.

"Our company policy has always been focused on customer safety, so implementing further safety measures goes hand in hand with what we set out to achieve."

Explaining how entry to ReVA would work from now on Dan added: "Upon entry not only will we ask for proof of age and conduct temperature checks, we will also be asking for proof of vaccination.

"As our customers are tech savvy, we do not see it causing a massive disruption to our operation, but ask customers to arrive a little earlier to avoid delays.

"One common question we have received on social media, is how can they gain entry if they haven't been fully vaccinated. Our advice is to complete a lateral flow test and record the negative result on the NHS passport app by scanning the little QR code.

"I know of many venues across the country are complaining of lost bookings, but we have seen the opposite. Tickets for our New Year's Party have accelerated. This is testament to our ongoing 'customer safety' staff training and high standards of hygiene.

"We certainly do not believe Christmas is cancelled, and we are doing everything possible to keep it that way."