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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think not everyone can be expected to scan QR codes?

82 replies

Realii · 01/10/2020 20:53

I’ve not wanted a smart phone for a long time, I wasted too much time on one so when it broke I got a basic phone.

Today I went out with the kids and stopped for a burger. First time in many months so i’ll admit I went in not knowing the new rules, it was an impulse treat. We sat down then were approached and asked to scan the QR code. I said I didn’t have a camera phone capable but I was happy to write my details on paper or any other way to record for track and trace.

After some back and forth and indecisiveness we were asked to leave. I was told I could get a takeaway but didn’t really fancy happy meals and rain! They were pretty aggressive in their tone about how I had to for various reasons, and ignored my polite replies I was fine with track and trace but couldn’t scan the code as my phone didn’t have the function.

It’s seemed ridiculous I could stand in a squashy area indoors waiting for food, but not sit indoors in a wide spacious empty bit too frankly- but whatever the rules surely they need accommodate people without smart phones? I can go elsewhere but they are effectively barring those on the lowest incomes. The rules are starting to feel bonkers, I can stand in a long queue indoors fine for example but no smartphone no meal?

OP posts:
gamerchick · 01/10/2020 22:23

There is no legal requirement to use the QR code but it's up to the establishment to say whether they insist or will allow an alternative

No but eventually, as it gets eased in. You will have the choice not to use the app or scan a code but you won't be able to go anywhere that uses them.

Choice and all that.

gamerchick · 01/10/2020 22:28

Tbh I'm expecting at some point, some little nifty gizmo to scan codes with. Summick to attach to your keys maybe.

RobertaTheGreat · 01/10/2020 22:28

Keep a screenshot of this on you for next time.

To think not everyone can be expected to scan QR codes?
SadderThanEeyore · 01/10/2020 22:29

I appreciate some do not have access. However, on a slightly different note, if you can use an ordering app then please do as you make it so much easier for the staff since the table service only rules came in.
We do not insist on scanning QR for track and trace as we can record on your table reservation or on a form; but the people who could use the ordering app yet can't be arsed really piss us off. The job is really fucking hard at the moment and certain customers have no appreciation.

gamerchick · 01/10/2020 22:37

@RobertaTheGreat

Keep a screenshot of this on you for next time.
I wonder when they'll change the word must to should... The last sentence is telling.
Davespecifico · 01/10/2020 22:41

I had 2 problems with the app:
Thing one: went on App Store and found NHS covid app. Downloaded it and it turned out not to be the covid app but a general nhs app. Later found out that you have to go to NHS site to get it which then takes you to App Store. All confusing.
Thing two: my iPhone is too old to support the app so I can't sit in restaurants that don't offer the paper alternative. So all the app finding was a waste of time anyway.

Original poster
Realii · 01/10/2020 23:02

@MojoJojo71 actually I did hear the second one at a distance say something about a tablet not working so that makes sense

@RobertaTheGreat it’ll have to be a printed piece of paper for me 😂

OP posts:
PyongyangKipperbang · 01/10/2020 23:18

I am in hospitality and our core client base is the over 60's. A lot do have smart phones but dont know how to use apps etc or dont want to. So we take their names and numbers which we then input into our booking system which ports the information over to the companys T&T info.

YANBU and it sounds to me like no one could work out an alternative and therefore made life easier for you.

I would contact McD's via Twitter, make sure you name the particular outlet and as them to clarify why you were asked to leave and what their alternative arrangement is. You will be told it is a franchise and they cannot control what systems their franchisee's have in place. This is bullshit, dont let it drop.

PyongyangKipperbang · 01/10/2020 23:18

YANBU and it sounds to me like no one could work out an alternative and therefore made life easier for you.

sorry, that should be, easier for them by getting rid of you.

QuestionableMouse · 01/10/2020 23:20

@FourPlasticRings

I can't scan QR codes. No McDs for me then!
They should have a tablet where they can enter your details into track and trace. I've done it loads of times recently at work.

It's also a legal requirement now so you can't blame McDonald's.

QuestionableMouse · 01/10/2020 23:25

@MojoJojo71

I went to McDonald’s today and was told I had to scan the code and I said I didn’t have the app but would happily give them my details and she said I had to download the app. I politely declined and said I’d prefer to give my details and after a bit of huffing and puffing she decided this was ‘allowed’ so she went to get an iPad to record my details so they obviously already had a system for this she was just being arsey.
It's not about being arsey, it's honestly really damn hard to control the dining area, potentially the door and enter people's details.

Please be kind to the dining area staff/customer experience leaders. Many stores are using them to do everything track and trace related and honestly we've had hardly any training on it. I've had nothing official and have had to work out what to do from posts on my store's Facebook group. It wouldn't surprise me if other stores were exactly the same.

So please be kind to anyone in a grey shirt because it's a bloody hard job right now with not very much support.

AlwaysLatte · 01/10/2020 23:31

Both my parents have 'downgraded' to very basic phones as they were accidentally pressing stuff on the smart phones. And some don't have phones at all. There needs to be some dispensation for this - there must be so many in that position!

Frappuccinofan · 01/10/2020 23:35

I don’t believe this happened, sorry.

All venues have a back up plan in place - ie the same track and trace system they had before the recent NHS app was launched. If you don’t have the app, they do have an alternative method to take your details, the exact same method they had before and are already familiar with...

C8H10N4O2 · 01/10/2020 23:41

Please be kind to the dining area staff/customer experience leaders

Even when they are aggressive to customers and breaking the law?

Venues are required to offer an alternative to the QR code. They are also required to do so in a compliant way (ie not a sign up list which shows your details to every subsequent customer). Its really not difficult to do this and if a large organisation like McDonalds can't manage to cascade the information then I'm doubly impressed that the local cafes in my high street manage it.

C8H10N4O2 · 01/10/2020 23:43

All venues have a back up plan in place

And yet, locally, some venues will no longer use that plan and require use of QR code (easier for them). I'm mostly surprised that in the current climate restaurants apparently can afford to turn away custom.

Starksforthewin · 01/10/2020 23:49

I would need to upgrade my phone version/ operating system in order to get the QR app and I have absolutely no intention of doing so.
I social distance, wear a mask, gloves, hand wash, sanitise and provide details happily when I book. That’s enough, thanks.
Unless the Govt wants to provide and pay for everyone to have the latest versions of phones, they can whistle.

mum11970 · 01/10/2020 23:54

My father has Alzheimer’s and wouldn’t be able to scan a QR code and last time he was asked to fill in his name and phone number he couldn’t remember his number and was too embarrassed to explain. He is still able to get around on his own and go and wait in a cafe for my mother to join him. Should he give up the little independence he still has and won’t have for long. People never seem to consider that there may be a genuine reason why someone may find it difficult or impossible to stick to the guidelines.

Elsewyre · 02/10/2020 01:51

Yabu you have chosen to be a modern day luddite for frankly ridiculous reasons, so you cant complain when the rest of society wont go out of thier way to accommodate you

FourPlasticRings · 02/10/2020 01:54

@Elsewyre

Yabu you have chosen to be a modern day luddite for frankly ridiculous reasons, so you cant complain when the rest of society wont go out of thier way to accommodate you
It's hardly unusual not to be able to scan a qr code. And what if you simply don't have the money or technical skill?

I never understood the point of QR codes when I could just type in the web address and have never used them. It's not been an issue- if anything I thought they were dying a death until this COVID malarky.

Soubriquet · 02/10/2020 02:06

Those of you who have an iPhone , you don’t need to download a separate QR code app.

Just open your camera and point it at the QR code and it will take you to the site.

WanderingMilly · 02/10/2020 02:42

My phone doesn't do apps or QR codes. So far no-one has challenged me when I've given my details manually but I guess some places might. It's unfair for those of us who are older who don't have smart phones but I suppose venues have a choice as to who they allow in or not. However, they will be losing custom, which surely they can't afford in these stretched times....

TheClaws · 02/10/2020 04:28

As Sobriquet says, you don't require a particular app on your phone to do this. You need only to take an image of the QR code - or just focus on it with the phone's camera - and you'll be prompted automatically to go a secure website and put your details in. (Of course, that's assuming you have a phone with a camera.)

eaglejulesk · 02/10/2020 05:43

Ridiculous - YANBU. I'm in NZ and in my town, and anywhere else I've been, there is a QR code and also a sheet of paper for you to write your details. If anyone refused service because I couldn't scan a QR code I would be telling them it would be the last time they would see me!

eaglejulesk · 02/10/2020 05:47

Yabu you have chosen to be a modern day luddite for frankly ridiculous reasons, so you cant complain when the rest of society wont go out of thier way to accommodate you

And out comes the bitch brigade!

MaverickSnoopy · 02/10/2020 06:14

It's well documented that there is a significant proportion of people who do not have phones that will enable the app.

Personally I don't have it - I get a new phone when my contract renews, I'm currently counting down with a cracked screen and a phone that doesn't immediately show the caller because it's so full and I don't have space for another app, despite having deleted a lot. I haven't yet been faced with this though as I'm not going anywhere apart from school these days.

As I understand it the legal obligation is on the company to collect people's details. Govt know not everyone will have the app and a paper option should be available.