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Original poster

Being denied entry because you dont have the track and trace app?

468 replies

Rudolphian · 27/09/2020 18:54

I haven't downloaded the app due to personal reasons.
I have started hearing stories about people being denied entry to pubs/ restaurants and cafes because they havent got the app.
Is this true?
Now I'm wondering what I'd do if it came into work, or if I'm told its compulsory to have to go to the supermarket?
Pretty sure its not a legal requirement yet.

OP posts:
cologne4711 · 27/09/2020 19:38

So within hours of the app being available you think people are being turned away for not having it

I don't think, I know. An example is the Folkestone Harbour pub.

And I know a couple of people who were on holiday in different parts of Devon last week and both said they had to fake scanning the QR Code to be allowed into places.

GabsAlot · 27/09/2020 19:38

not everyone has a smart phone do they and certain older iphones arent compatible either so they cant make you

Nomorepies · 27/09/2020 19:38

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ on the poster's request.

whirlwindwallaby · 27/09/2020 19:40

Do you have to have bluetooth on, or can you just use it when you need to check in to places?

attillathenun · 27/09/2020 19:40

A friend was refused entry to a cafe because she didn’t have the app, and our workplace has said they require people to scan in to gain entry to the building.

WhentheDealGoesDown1 · 27/09/2020 19:43

The app lets you check into places but not check out so if you go somewhere in the morning you will be registered there until you go to somewhere else or midnight, whichever is earlier I believe. Not good.

noirchatsdeux · 27/09/2020 19:43

I was in a pub in Manchester city centre yesterday evening. Everyone entering was told to put a mask on, or leave. They were then told to either scan the OR code, or give their details - if they refused to do either, they were told to leave. This was all done before they were allowed to order.

I heard the landlord telling a customer that the reason they were being so strict was because they had already been visited since Thursday by the Police, and a member of staff didn't mention either the QR code or getting manual details to a customer. The landlord was fined £200 on the spot.

loutypips · 27/09/2020 19:44

@Nomorepies the app only asks for the first part of your postcode. No other personal details are needed.

I'm sure businesses are asking for people to log in with the app to avoid the idiots who are putting people at risk by giving fake details. At least with the app, no personal details are given. It will just flag up to the user if anyone there has tested positive.

MagicSummer · 27/09/2020 19:45

I don't mind the principle but I have an old iPhone - which doesn't work with the app. Not going to buy a new one so what happens?

Talia99 · 27/09/2020 19:46

@safariboot I completely agree.

Also, legally something is discrimination if it disproportionately affects a particular group. Therefore, since the elderly are less likely as a whole to have smartphones, I think it can definitely be said to discriminate.

I’m not carrying my smartphone out of the house these days (I’m WFH with no in-person visits to customers) because I don’t want to have to clean the phone when I get home. There is therefore no point in me having the app since it will show I never leave the house although that isn’t true.

WitsEnding · 27/09/2020 19:46

I think anything that helps Track and Trace operate more quickly and effectively is a good thing. If the government want to know when I go to Lidl or catch a bus, I’m happy to tell them. I also have to use my contactless card and am on cctv all the way, and my phone knows where I am.

Lost faith in Big Brother somewhat when it transpired they didn’t know who was dead until weeks after the event.

whirlwindwallaby · 27/09/2020 19:46

I'm sure businesses are asking for people to log in with the app to avoid the idiots who are putting people at risk by giving fake details. I don't give fake details, but I don't answer numbers I don't know either.

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 27/09/2020 19:46

From a business perspective, maybe they're thinking that the people with the newest phones might be the ones with more disposable money available and a willingness to spend it. Foolish, because plenty of folk don't bother upgrading a perfectly good phone every two years, even if they could easily afford to; and lots of elderly folk will either have a cheapo phone that is nothing but a phone or none at all - they have the money to buy a top-of-the-range latest model, but just don't attach any value or importance to that, as is their absolute right.

Somebody on TV also said that the apps are used to sign you in to the establishment but not out - I do'n't know if that's true, but I would be furious if I were ordered to self-isolate because somebody who entered the restaurant three hours after I'd left had tested positive.

WhentheDealGoesDown1 · 27/09/2020 19:47

@whirlwindwallaby

Do you have to have bluetooth on, or can you just use it when you need to check in to places?
You can just turn the tracking bit off then it is disabled from the Bluetooth, I had mine turned off, dunno if the entry thing still works but it looked like it did, if not just turn the tracking on when you enter somewhere
AlecTrevelyan006 · 27/09/2020 19:47

usually what happens is the manager/owner is worried about having their establishment closed down so plays cautious and tells their part time, minimum wage, inexperienced young receptionist/front of house worker that they MUST NOT let in anyone who refuses to scan the QR code, otherwise they will be in big trouble no matter how bolshy or annoying the customer is

and we end up with people continuing to get confused about the difference between guidelines and rules

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 27/09/2020 19:48

Just seen that WhentheDealGoesDown1 had just made that exact point.

thinkingaboutLangCleg · 27/09/2020 19:49

DH and I were asked to use the app when we went into a restaurant last week. I explained we couldn't get the app on our non-smart phones, but we had left our phone number last time we ate there. The staff let us in, but were obviously worried. I checked online at home afterwards, and emailed the restaurant to say they only had to ask customers -- they didn't have to turn anyone away! I'm not sure if they believed me ...

whirlwindwallaby · 27/09/2020 19:49

You can just turn the tracking bit off then it is disabled from the Bluetooth, I had mine turned off, dunno if the entry thing still works but it looked like it did, if not just turn the tracking on when you enter somewhere Thanks, I don't want bluetooth draining my battery!

Glittertwins · 27/09/2020 19:50

@SoUtterlyGroundDown

Don’t get me wrong, when all this started and the app was first mooted I was keen for it to be launched and to download it. But as time has gone on and more and more lies have been told, and the more the government has proved itself to be totally untrustworthy and incompetent, I’ve changed my mind.
This is exactly my thinking too
WanderingMilly · 27/09/2020 19:51

I have just been told by a family member that where they live, people are being denied entry to restaurants and gyms etc. if they don't have the app.
I have a 'phone that doesn't take the app and I'm not going to download it even if I did, so I think this is unfair...and a stupid business decision. I am quite happy to give my name, address, tel number etc. for track and trace, but not via a 'phone app. If I get turned away, so be it.....

Cuppaand2biscuits · 27/09/2020 19:53

I tried to download it for my mother in law today but her phone was too old to do it.

Belladonna12 · 27/09/2020 19:53

I wondered if this would happen. They don't need to take your details if using the app so I can imagine it saves a lot of hassle. I suppose it will depend on how much places want your business.

goldenwarbler · 27/09/2020 19:54

My phone doesn't support the app and not in a position to upgrade my phone either. I got turned away from three places yesterday as the person I was with doesn't have a smart phone.
We asked if they could take our details another way as happy to provide them/take part of track and trace but they all said no.
2 of the places only had 1-2 table occupied so looked as if they could have done with our business. But if they're turning away paying customers cos they won't take track and trace details any other way then it's their own fault if they go bust, surely?

Ellsbells12 · 27/09/2020 19:55

@SoUtterlyGroundDown

Don’t get me wrong, when all this started and the app was first mooted I was keen for it to be launched and to download it. But as time has gone on and more and more lies have been told, and the more the government has proved itself to be totally untrustworthy and incompetent, I’ve changed my mind.
Me too I downloaded it then deleted
Original poster
Rudolphian · 27/09/2020 19:56

@ChicCroissant

^I have started hearing stories about people being denied entry to pubs/ restaurants and cafes because they havent got the app. Is this true?^

Not in my experience - or yours, if you haven't actually been turned away from anywhere OP! So within hours of the app being available you think people are being turned away for not having it?

It's people claiming on another thread and also read in the news.
OP posts: