QR Codes Mandatory for Some NSW Businesses: Are you Affected?

Note: the following blog discusses the now-expired mandatory QR codes. This blog is out of date.

On Monday 23 November, the NSW Government announced that QR check-in codes would be mandatory for all businesses in some industries, such as hospitality venues, pubs, bars, salons and a select few other businesses, including the booming party bus industry.

If you’re a business owner, you may have a few questions about this new measure.

What do I have to do?

All businesses need to ensure that they have measures in place that will accurately capture customer and staff details. From Monday 23 November 2020 – the same day as the announcement – it is mandatory for certain types of businesses in NSW to use an electronic check-in system, such as a QR Code, to collect patron and staff details.

Businesses who have already registered as COVID Safe with the NSW Government will be emailed their unique QR Code from Services NSW.

Once established, a QR code can be displayed at the entrance so customers can access it easily, allowing a staff member or COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal (if the business is required to have one) to be nearby to assist customers and to confirm they have checked in.

If any customers are unable to use the QR code, businesses should have an alternative check in method available, such as an SMS service or another electronic system or manual check in with a staff member.

Venues must manually collect contact details in instances where electronic forms can not be accessed, including during internet outages. The details must be transferred to an electronic system as soon as possible or within 12 hours.

Venues must delete all records (electronic and paper) after 28 days if not required for contact tracing.

What Industries and Businesses are Affected?

The mandatory requirements apply to businesses deemed to be a venue where the public may attend and includes, amongst others:

• Hospitality venues, including casinos, food and drink premises

• Pubs, small bars and registered clubs (customer collecting takeaway are exempt)

• Nail, beauty, tanning, and waxing salons, spas, hairdressers, tattoo and massage parlours

• Entertainment facilities and amusement centres

• Function centres, including crematoria and funeral homes

• Public swimming pools, and indoor or major recreation facilities

• Zoos, reptile parks and aquariums, and

• Party buses

The new rules will also apply to events, including:

• Corporate events

• Funerals and memorial services, gatherings after funerals, and memorial services

• Wedding services, and gatherings after wedding services.

The NSW Government has an exhaustive list of affected industries and businesses.

Where can I get an Electronic Check-In Program from?

From 1 January 2021, it became mandatory for hospitality venues (pubs, cafes, clubs and restaurants) and hairdressers in NSW to use the NSW Government’s COVID Safe Check-in QR code via Service NSW to electronically register customer check-ins. More information of their program can be found on their website.

For other businesses, the NSW Government’s COVID Safe.  system is available to all businesses in NSW who have downloaded the COVID Safe registration pack.

If businesses are not required to use the NSW Government’s COVID Safe Check-in QR code, the Government said that businesses are free to use their own QR code system as they see fit, as long as they capture a visitor’s details and time of entry.

Businesses can use their own QR code system by either searching online or by seeking assistance from their IT service provider.

Need Help Becoming COVID Safe or Improving Your Health and Safety?

Peninsula can help you move your business forward in the COVID-19 pandemic. The packs below have free resources that can help make your business COVID Safe. Have any question about health and safety, or workplace relations? Call the number below for free, initial advice.