PARTYGOERS were queuing around the block on New Year's Eve to enter one Worcester nightclub despite concerns nationally over rising Covid cases.

However, venues across the city have introduced a raft of precautions including seeking evidence of vaccination or negative lateral flow to try and keep customers as safe as possible during the pandemic.

By 10pm last night the queue to enter Sin in the city's New Street snaked all the way around the corner into Charles Street. Signs outside the club read: "Lateral flow before you go."

Revellers were asked to provide either proof of vaccination (an NHS pass or vaccination card), proof of a negative lateral flow by text or email (within 48 hours) or a medical exemption certificate.

However, few people out in the city more generally could be seen wearing masks or observing social distancing measures as they celebrated the New Year.

The streets did not look as busy as a typical New Year as a wave of the Omicron variant continues to sweep the country which has led some to stay away from pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Some popular venues in the city, including the Exchange in The Cornmarket and Hanbao in Foregate Street, were closed through the New Year due to Covid-19 infections among staff.

However, the Worcester Steak and Grill House - next door to the Exchange - was proving a popular destination as was Bottles in New Street.

A spokesman for burger restaurant Hanbao said on Tuesday: "Due to a number of positive cases within our team, we’ve made the decision to close the restaurant for the rest of the year.

We looked at all avenues to keep things going but protecting our staff and customers will always be our number one priority.

Our management team will reach out to everyone who has made a reservation for this week to cancel/reschedule.

"So long as the there are no further announcements we will be back open Wednesday January 5 as normal - watch this space. We want to thank everyone that has been supportive of us over this uncertain time and we want to apologise for any inconvenience caused. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all in 2022."

Managers at the Exchange issued a statement through their Facebook page on Thursday which read: "It is with a very heavy heart that I have to share the news that we will be closing from now until Monday. We have had a few positive cases of Covid-19 within the team that have caused severe staff shortages but also we want to put the welfare of our staff and customers first."