QR Codes: Your Top Questions Answered

Updated 2nd October 2020

From the 24th of September, businesses must register for a QR Code here and display it within their salon to allow your customers to “scan in”.

Using the NHS Covid-19 app, customers can scan the barcode and quickly and easily check into places they visited, making it easy for business to support contact tracing.

Do I have to take contact details of customers who enter my salon if they scan the barcode?

In England, you do not have to ask people who choose to ‘check in’ using the official NHS QR code to provide their contact details. If there is an outbreak associated with a venue, a message will be sent to the relevant app users with the necessary public health advice.

Do I have to Display the QR Code if I Work From Home?

Yes, all those in the close contact industry must display a QR code - this includes working from a Home Salon.

Is it Mandatory for my Client to Scan the Code?

No, your client does not need to scan the code but should be encouraged to do so. If they don’t wish to use the Track & Trace app, you should record the customer details on your own booking system.

I’m Self Employed in a Salon - Do I Have to Display a QR Code?

The responsibility for displaying a QR code lies within the salon owner, if you are self-employed in your own home, you should take responsibility to register and display a QR Code. If you are self-employed in a salon, the salon owner must register and display a QR code.

I’m a Mobile Therapist, Should I Carry Around a QR Code to Display?

Yes, the latest guidance shows that all those working in the close contact industry - including mobile beauty, must display a QR code.

Is it compulsory for team members to download the Test and Trace app? 

No. Employees cannot be forced to download the app. You can recommend that they do so. 

Who is Exempt From Having Their Information Collected?

You do not need to ask for contact details or check scanning of the NHS QR code if the person is a police officer or emergency responder on duty.

You do not need to ask for contact details for people whose visit is for the sole purpose of making a delivery or collection by supplies or contractors, including food or physical goods.

You do not need to ask for contact details for those under the age of 16. If an individual says they are under the age of 16, you should not ask for identification unless you judge this to be false.