Which chains are refusing entry if you don't have the Test and Trace App?

[soccerbabe]

I have a fairly old smartphone which isn't compatible with the app. I am perfectly happy to leave my contact details via pen and paper. Just curious as to which coffee chains/restaurants etc won't accept this?

I don't think anyone would refuse you. They may if you don't wear a mask.

Many people dont have a phone which is compatible with the app, particularly older people. Restaurants would be very short sighted to refuse entry to people without the app. They've been taking names and numbers by manual methods up until now anyway.

I went to a branch of Shoryu for noodles last week. Was def no app=no noodles there.

I haven’t heard of anyone refusing entry. They say 10 million have downloaded it, so only 1 in 6. I deleted it as my phone needed charging every day.

The ones I’ve been in take your details instead. I’m pretty sure they need the custom and wouldn’t turn you away as long as you provided contact details.

I've only heard of people being turned away in the daily mail tbh.

@Mindymomo, you can switch off the covid scanning function if you wish so it's just used for checking in at venues. I've only just downloaded it myself.

OP, I haven't found anywhere that refuses entry but at the library there was a big sigh and an eye roll from the woman (stood doing nothing at this time) who had to write down my name and number manually.

I must admit to not understanding how contact tracing really works. I was in the library for under 2 minutes, I only went in to renew DD's books but they only logged when I arrived. 🤷‍♀️

yes, I've only read vague accounts in the Daily Mail too, so was wondering much of a "thing" it was.

v useful to know that about Shoryu, I was hoping to visit one of their branches, not totally surprised tbh as before the app they were temperature checking everyone on entry

McDonalds in my town.
Couldn't get past the security type cleaner at the door who was insisting on the app.
I had to say I'll go back to the car and get it. Then I left and didn't go back.
The McDonalds was empty.

Also at local pub after a country walk, who insisted on their app to order, noone allowed to the bar. (Not Wetherspoons) Also had to leave. Just wanted a diet coke.

Also McDonalds. We were only allowed to get a take away.

Pizza Express - SE London

I believe that anywhere doing this is acting illegally and should be reported, maybe to the local council?

Megan's in London

We were allowed in McDonald's without the app but needed smartphone that could scan q code which took you to a form to register details (They had 2 posters one with q code for app and one for those without). Not sure what would have happened without smartphone though....

www.gov.uk/guidance/maintaining-records-of-staff-customers-and-visitors-to-support-nhs-test-and-trace

Premises must offer the system but shouldn’t be refusing entry without it. An alternative - paper list of contact details is perfectly acceptable.

My local subway’s alternative method is a sheet on the counter with your name, address and phone number for all to see! I just pretended to scan the QR code

Prezzo in Bracknell. They already had my name, email address and phone number as I'd booked online. When we queried it with the manager, he was quite apologetic, but said the council had told all restaurants there they could only serve people who'd downloaded the app.

In defence of their intransigence, it may be part of a push programme to get folk to download the app. Old folk who may not have smartphones will also be discouraged from potentially higher risk eating out / pubs. I can imagine SAGE having that exact debate....

Nandos (one experience for me in one location - anecdata)

I was turned away from pitcher and piano for not having the app. Offered to leave details another way but it was definitely no app, no entry

Pret, yesterday, were asking people to complete paper records if they didn't have the app. Costa seem to be sticking to their own system.

It’s illegal to turn customers away who don’t have the app.

Small coffee chain - I won’t name them because it was on the first day and when I emailed them to put them straight they said they’d update their staff and offered me a discount (which I won’t use because it’s not local, but it showed willing).

I have also been to places where you can only order online at your table though - so you need a smartphone but it can be a very old one. They’re within their rights to do that I think - it’s only the legalities of registration where the government requires them to give you an alternative.

Wetherspoons weren’t letting people in without scanning the QR code and showing proof. This was an issue as most of their printed codes weren’t working so the queue was backing up and everyone was close together. Not ideal.