FANS in fancy dress might be able to attend next month’s William Hill World Darts Championship at Ally Pally.
The PDC has announced the 2021 worlds will take place between December 15 and January 3.
And following the government’s announcement on easing lockdown restrictions from December 2, it is hoped limited crowds can return for the first time in the UK for eight months.
Potentially only 1,000 fans in the 3,000-seater capacity will be allowed per session at the iconic North London venue.
Prime minister Boris Johnson announced the return of spectators for indoor and outdoor events on Monday – but with differences depending on which tier each region is placed in.
Fans in Tier 1 and 2 areas are due to be allowed to attend Premier League games and other sporting events but the lock-out will continue in Tier 3.
And in fact the breakdown of tiers will not be revealed until Thursday.
Johnson said: “In Tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.
“We’ll also strengthen the enforcement ability of local authorities, including specially trained officers and new powers to close down premises that pose a risk to public health.”
Fans have been shut out since before the first lockdown back in March.
The suggestion now is that 4,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity limits – whichever is lowest – would be allowed in Tier 1, with 2,000 or 50 per cent for indoor venues.
For Tier 2 that will reportedly drop to 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors, or 50 per cent capacity.
No fans in Tier 3 will be allowed into stadiums or events.