QR codes compulsory for NSW businesses from July 12

The NSW government has proclaimed the use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and all retail businesses from Monday 12 July.

There are currently over 5.2 million active users of the QR code.

QR code expansion will aid contact tracing

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said expanding the mandate would give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.

“This is about keeping customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible,” Dominello said.

“We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control.”

Many businesses already voluntarily using QR code

Dominello said while many retail businesses, including large supermarkets and hardware chains, have voluntarily adopted the Service NSW QR code, the mandatory measure will ensure check-in rates are high across the board and contact tracers have access to reliable records.

From 12 July, these businesses will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet:

• Retail businesses and supermarkets
• Individual shops within shopping centres
• Shopping centres will also be asked to display QR codes at entry points where practicable
• Gyms
• Offices, including call centres
• Manufacturing and warehousing
• Universities and TAFE
• Schools including teachers and visitors (such as parents and contractors) but excluding students.

Remember to record casual visitors

Following the recent spate of local transmissions via delivery drivers, businesses such as hospitality venues will also need to ensure staff and visitors such as maintenance workers and delivery services check-in, when they resume business after the lockdown period.

Further to this, hospitality businesses will now need to extend the use of the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in to all customers including takeaway orders.

Fines for businesses that fail to comply

The minister said businesses that fail to comply with the new QR code requirements may be subject to fines and in the case of flagrant breaches, temporary closure orders.

“There is no excuse not to check-in everywhere you can – businesses and customers all have a part to play to keep NSW safe,” Dominello said.

“In the same way customers routinely check into cafes, restaurants and bars, we need them to adopt the same approach when visiting a supermarket, retail store and workplace.

“Inspectors have been asked to monitor the situation alongside the NSW Police.”

Businesses who need to register for the NSW Government QR code can find the application form and more information at https://www.nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe

For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available.

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