Businesses are now required by law to record the contact details of their customers, visitors and staff as part of efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus.
From Thursday, September 24, a range of businesses and organisations must display an official NHS QR code poster so that customers and visitors can ‘check in’ using this option as an alternative to providing contact details.
Here’s what you need to know:
Which businesses are required to display a QR code poster?
Services included in the new legal requirements are:
• hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
• tourism and leisure, including gyms, swimming pools, hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
• close contact services, including hairdressers
• facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres (for events), libraries and children’s centres
How do I get one?
You can get a bespoke QR code for your business online.
Before you start make sure you have your email address and the address or your venue.
If you need a QR code for more than one location, you will also need an email address and phone number for the manager or point of contact for each location.
Simply click here and follow the instructions: https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster
You will receive your QR code by email shortly after submitting your information.
What do I do with it?
Once you have received your individual QR code, you will need to print this out and display it near to the entrance.
You will need to ask customers to scan it with their phone as they arrive at your location.
It’s a good idea to display more than one poster to stop queues from forming.
The business operates from more than one location - do I need separate QR codes for each?
Yes. Each venue must have its own QR code.
What happens if I don’t display a poster?
It is now law that a QR code poster is displayed for customers and visitors by businesses or organisations with a physical location that is open to the public.
Failure to display this from Thursday, September 24 onwards could result in a fixed penalty fine of up to £4,000.
I haven’t received my QR code. What should I do?
If you have any problems with the online service, you can call the QR code support service on this number:
0800 540 4900
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.