This is a change from how pubs were instructed to use the NHS Test and Trace system last summer when the trade was permitted to resume trading and take just the lead booker’s details from group reservations.
It was previously reported another difference expected is pubs will be able to use these contact details for marketing purposes – something that was not permitted before however, this has not yet been confirmed by the Government.
It is expected pubs will have to take these details for outside trading from Monday 12 April as well as inside service from Monday 17 May.
Government announcement
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to give a nationwide address later today (5pm on Monday 5 April) when further details around guidance for pubs reopening outside next Monday (12 April) is expected.
At the same time, the Government revealed twice weekly rapid testing is set to be available to everyone in England from Friday (9 April).
The change in contact details rules for group bookings in hospitality venues coincides with updates to the NHS Covid-19 app in England from Thursday 8 April.
In addition, according to the Government, if a customer who uses the app tests positive, they will be asked to share their venue history in a privacy-protecting way via the app.
QR code legal requirement
This aims to allow venue alerts to be generated faster in a bid to improve the ability to identify where outbreaks are occurring and take steps to prevent the virus spreading.
There will also be new posters displaying QR codes for pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues in England. All hospitality venues in England will be legally required to display an official NHS QR code poster.
One operator stated this change in contact details singled the trade out as a “villain” in an opinion piece he wrote for The Morning Advertiser.
Gav Young of the Plough and Barleycorn in the Isle of Wight said Test and Trace had “cost a fortune and been a disaster”.
