Yesterday's announcement that hospitality venues must install digital systems to track patrons by November 23 has sparked concerns that some sectors of society will be left behind.
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"The NSW Government announcement to make the use of the QR code compulsory for patrons of public venues - no exceptions - means that pensioners who do not have a smart phone will not be able to go to RSL and bowling clubs, restaurants and cafés, wreaking havoc with their social life," said Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association policy manager Paul Versteege.
"The reasons many people don't have a smart phone are numerous, but the main ones are that they can't afford a smart phone, they find smart phones too complicated to use or they have vision problems.
"Some people, particularly older people, have no mobile phone at all."
But Anthony Hogan, chief operating officer at Goulburn Workers Club, said their older or smart phone-free patrons have nothing to worry about, since QR codes aren't the only way to go digital.
"The legislation says that for people who don't have those phones or that facility, our staff can assist them by manually entering their details into a digital system," he said.
"Venues are allowed to use other digital means - a computer or a tablet, for example - to enter the details into the system."
Mr Hogan said that the club already used a QR code system, and staff were very adept at assisting the elderly with entering details manually.
"Since the start of the pandemic there's been numerous changes we've had to adapt to, and we want to continue to reassure the community that we will make those changes as smooth and seamless as possible and help patrons do the same," said Mr Hogan.
Further north, at Mittagong RSL the new legislation barely has barely caused a ripple, since the club has had a digital entry process for some time.
General manager Craig Madsen said that member's cards, and driver's licences for non-members, are scanned into the system upon entry.
"QR codes will be harder for businesses that aren't clubs, like hotels and cafes and so on, because they haven't had to do it before, whereas we've had to do it from day one," said Mr Madsen.
"It's a big cultural change for some businesses, and I understand that for older Australians without smart phones, that would be a worry."
He added that the onus is firmly on the venue to comply, and some would "find this harder than others".
