Hospitality operator supports QR ‘check-in’ scrap

A WONTHAGGI business owner has backed The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath’s calls for the state government to abandon QR code check-in requirements.

According to The Nationals, in January, Premiers at National Cabinet agreed that all states move to ‘Phase D’ of the National Cabinet Covid Response Plan, which manages Covid like any other infectious disease such as influenza.

Ms Bath said instead of adopting sensible action, the state government has doubled down on its pointless compliance rules, insisting QR Code check in’s must stay.

“It’s unjust the Andrews Government continues to force these businesses to keep operating this system after it has admitted QR codes are not used for contact tracing,” she said.

“Labor’s excuse that QR codes are needed to enforce its vaccine mandates in bars and restaurants doesn’t stack up – there’s multiple alternate ways to demonstrate your vaccine status.

“Checking-in is obsolete and it must be scrapped.

Ms Bath said many Victorians have lost confidence in the check-in system and are evidently abandoning the process, despite this the state government is still threatening to fine businesses who don’t comply - sole traders face fines of more than $2000 and companies more than $10,000 if their patrons fail to check-in.

The Caledonian Hotel owner David Peters, supported the Nationals’ sentiment and said he hopes all mandates will go as they continue to impact hospitality venues.

“It was originally for contract tracing, but the government doesn’t use it anymore,” Mr Peters said.

“So it’s pointless people doing it and pointless making businesses enforce it.

“Nothing happens from the information, and it’s a waste of time.”

Mr Peters added he believes proof of vaccination requirements are a form of discrimination; and is fully supportive of any measures that will ease the burden on businesses.

Last week, the state government announced from Friday, February 18, QR code check-in requirements will no longer be in place at retail venues, schools and for employees at many workplaces.

However, QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will remain for hospitality and entertainment venues.