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

[Realii]

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?

@HeddaGarbled

If you just held any old phone in front of the blocky square thing, would anyone actually know that you’re not scanning it?

Nope, nobody would know. This is what I did at the weekend.

They won’t insist you wear a mask but they can chuck you out for not scanning a code !

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

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

Yes, because the 18yo part time minimum wage staff are doing what their boss has told them to do. They’re scared of losing their job, they’re scared of catching the virus and now they’re scared of customers shouting at them and throwing things at them as has happened twice to my Dd this week.

I can see why they have gone for QR codes, but they just aren't mainstream enough yet for a lot of people to have a baldy clue what they are for

It only takes about 5 seconds to learn though and will make the process far more efficient, so is in the interests of the restaurant to have as many people as possible using it, especially in high traffic places like McDonalds.

I had no idea how to use a QR code until I went out for lunch a few weeks ago, but now I know how and it is completely accessible to everyone with a smartphone, which is around 80% of the population.

Obviously they need to provide an alternative, but can you imagine the chaos and queues if even 10% of their customers wanted to write down their details on a piece of paper?

And that will be pen and paper that multiple people are touching. Plus with a significant minority openly admitting to giving false details, a total waste of time.

If they want track and trace to be anywhere near effective and workable, they need as many people as possible using the app, QR codes and their correct details.

Why didn’t you just say ok and then do nothing? They never check

@Wakemeupwhenthisisover obviously she was checking. We were the only people sitting in there (amazing at lunchtime) and she stood there waiting. No one is being fooled by a phone without a camera whilst directly watching you. From their body language they were going to check.

In general since track and trace I’ve suddenly felt I’ve had way more close interaction with staff, giving details to people face to face or like this woman walking to my table and standing there for some time. Pre track and trace you didn’t need to go near anyone to order.

I’ve never ever scanned a QR code.

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

Yes, because the 18yo part time minimum wage staff are doing what their boss has told them to do

So basically customers should put up with rude and aggressive staff in places and sit quietly whilst they break the law? Seriously?

No wonder service in the UK is infamously bad.

My phone doesn't do this. I think it's only iPhones?

*Damn, quote didn't work. Hang on, I'll try again.

I won't go in our costa again. The manager was shouting at customers.
He told me it was illegal to record customer details on paper cos of data protection.
My phone won't scan the code. Someone said with samsungs you have to download an app. I can't do this. My friend is in her sixties and does not have a smartphone. We both have mental health problems. I have some learning difficulties. She will no longer go in a cafe on her own. I wouldn't anyway because of anxiety.

@TheClaws

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.)

My phone doesn't do this. I think it's only iPhones and the rest of us need an app?

My phone won't scan QR codes from the camera it needs a separate app. But you don't need that if you've downloaded the NHS COVID app, just open it, click on venue check in and it opens up the inbuilt QR code scanner.

My phone doesn't do this. I think it's only iPhones and the rest of us need an app

Not true. I have a cheapish Motorola Android phone and all I have to do is open the camera and point it at the QR code. This brings up a link where you can put your details on a website.

It's easier than taking a photo or sending an email, which should be within the capabilities of just about anyone with a smartphone.

@C8H10N4O2

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.

But if you look at the thread where so many are saying they give false details you can’t blame the venues for insisting on using the QR code. An outbreak associated with their premises would lose them business too.

But if you look at the thread where so many are saying they give false details you can’t blame the venues for insisting on using the QR code

I was just going to say the same thing. People saying track and trace doesn't work and is pointless but then admitting they always give a false number.

But if you look at the thread where so many are saying they give false details you can’t blame the venues for insisting on using the QR code. An outbreak associated with their premises would lose them business too

The law requires them to provide an alternative to QR scanning. Its really simple.

You do realise that scanning a QR code doesn't stop infected people entering a restaurant?

Their details are not passed to the restaurant or the T&T service, it works the other way around.

@C8H10N4O2

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

Yes, because the 18yo part time minimum wage staff are doing what their boss has told them to do

So basically customers should put up with rude and aggressive staff in places and sit quietly whilst they break the law? Seriously?

No wonder service in the UK is infamously bad.

Obviously aggression towards customers shouldn't be tolerated. But sometimes I do wonder about peoples perception of "aggression".

I saw someone in a cafe the other day repeatedly refuse to either put a mask on or sit down when asked to by a member of staff. The customer was standing at the counter trying to order drinks and holding a mask. The rules of that cafe are table service if you're sitting in and you have to wear a mask when walking to a table and can take if off when seated. They allow take away orders at the counter but you must wear a mask.

The staff member was polite but firm and said that they wouldn't serve them. The customer got more and more hysterical. Was screaming that it was ridiculous, etc. They stormed off and I'd guess they've told all their friends about the nasty, rude staff member.

Some older Samsung phones require an app, but any Samsung with OneUI should have the QR function in the settings screen (when you slide down).

Nandos you have to scan and order on your phone.

Reading the other thread about fake numbers I'm starting to understand why there are places refusing people visiting without scanning the code

It's just easier not to go in such places.The simple solution.

Just for info to picture the scene: the two women were around the 30/40 age line I’d guess, looked well put together in general and confident. I was particularly calm in front of the kids, didn’t reply beyond the necessary to be polite and left calmly without fuss. No hysteria or shouting. All the staff I see there are reasonably mature and confident tbh, most the jobs here seeM to have very few younger staff nowadays

Some older people will have difficulty with this. I hadn't scanned to code and had to have my lunch from a van rather than in a restaurant last weekend.

It's just easier not to go in such places.The simple solution

Quite. Which is why I'm surprised that in hospitality any venues are happy to break the law and put off customers whilst saying they need to rebuild their businesses after a disastrous year.