Business owners who don’t use the official NSW Government QR code system to log customers will be slapped with a $5,000 fine as of January 1, 2021.

The new regulations apply to all hospitality venues, including hotels, restaurants, cafes - and hairdressers.

In November, the NSW Government made digital sign-ins to collect customer details, such as QR codes, mandatory.

Until December 23, the government had not specified what system or platform businesses must use, with venue owners free to choose a platform at their discretion.

Now, all businesses must switch their QR code sign-in system to align with the Service NSW app, or risk facing a hefty fine.

If you are a customer and don't have QR scanning activated on your phone, or the Service NSW app installed, it might be time to update.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the change will help contact-tracers and recommended customers use the Service NSW app, which was more accurate than others - and could save a person's details for future ease.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said businesses experiencing a “quieter period” at the moment should “get on to doing that”.

“Quite apart from anything else, even if you don’t want [to] do it out of goodwill, there’s a $5,000 fine attached if you don’t have those Service NSW QR codes by the 1st of January,” he said in a press conference.

“I stress – both from the sense of goodwill and fellowship to your community, get it done.”

How customers use the COVID Safe Check-in

When a customer arrives at a venue, they scan the QR code with their smartphone.

Customers who have the Service NSW app installed will be taken to the check in.

Customers who don't have the Service NSW app installed will get two options:

• download the Service NSW app, create an account and check in
• check in using an online form.

A staff member may check the successful sign in on the customer's phone. 

Learn more about COVID Safe Check-in with the Service NSW app.

For more information for Clubs on specific requirements under the Registered Clubs Act 1976 during COVID-19, see the Liquor & Gaming NSW Statement of Regulatory Intent.