Dutch marchers protest new COVID-19 pass to enter bars, restaurants

People take part in a protest on the day the Dutch authorities introduce a mandatory "corona pass", proof of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination or a negative test result, to enter bars, restaurants and cultural events in the country, in The Hague, Netherlands September 25, 2021. REUTERS/Eva Plevier

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Protesters gathered to march against the introduction of a "corona pass" in the Netherlands on Saturday as proof of COVID-19 vaccination became compulsory to get into bars, restaurants, theatres and other venues.

The new requirement to show the pass, or a recent negative coronavirus test, coincided with the lifting of almost all social distancing measures in the country, where 72% of the population has received at least one vaccine dose.