By Renee Wood
Hospitality businesses are raising awareness that some patrons may be doing the wrong thing, using other people’s phones to show vaccination statuses to gain entry into venues.
Herd Cafe and Bar owner Toby Wiadrowski has been made aware of an un-vaccinated patron who allegedly used someone else’s phone to check in.
“It’s been brought to our attention that we had a patron enter using a false means of gaining entry into Herd,” Mr Wiadrowski said.
The business is following the correct procedures by checking vaccinations statues on the phone and would like to bring awareness to the loop hole.
“Our obligation as a business is to check everybody’s status at the doors which we do by our licensed security, but as owners and operators we just want the community to be aware that the actual breach of the law falls back on the patrons, so if you are caught doing the wrong thing to gain entry, it’s a fine of up to $10,900, so it’s something to be aware of.”
The check in screen has holograms and a clock to ensure screenshots aren’t used however, there is no photo ID on the screen.
“We as a business can only do so much and there’s a lot of pressure on businesses at the moment to follow what the Victorian Government has mandated and whilst we’re doing the best we can – like all systems, it’s not foolproof.”
DHHS says online the easiest way to check a certificate is through the service app and states the following for other ways to check patron vaccination status:
– Covid-19 digital certificate via the Service Victoria app
– Covid-19 digital certificate saved to a smartphone wallet
– Printed copy of COVID-19 digital certificate
– Printed copy of immunisation history statement
– Eligible proof of vaccination exemption.
Businesses are advised if they are unsure if someone is using the correct check in, they can ask for photo ID however, it is not a requirement to cross check IDs.
“Fraudulently obtaining a certificate or creating a fake document is a serious offence,” the DHHS website reads.
“Where a patron provides false or misleading information about their vaccination status a fine of $10,904 may apply.”
Businesses also do not need to record vaccination statuses.
“You only need to view it so they can enter your business.
“Encouraging customers to use the Service Victoria app to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination saves your business and your customers time and helps reduce queuing at venues.”
For more information visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checking-customers-vaccination-status
