Trade bodies offer advice on track and trace scheme

Leading trade bodies have issued joint guidance to help bars incorporate the UK government’s track and trace customer registration scheme when they reopen.

The on-trade in England is allowed to reopen on 4 July

From tomorrow (4 July) all on-trade establishments, bar nightclubs, will be allowed to reopen in England inside and out after months of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trade bodies UK Hospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, and British Institute of Innkeeping have issued joint advice for venues planning to reopen from tomorrow to help them “take positive steps” towards achieving the public health objectives of the scheme and to understand their obligations. There are also practical tips to help bars and pubs implement successful schemes.

The advice explains what details should be recorded, how the information should be documented and issues regarding GDPR (general data protection regulation).

The trade bodies said in a joint statement: “There has been a significant amount of interest from both businesses and customers about the track and trace scheme and some confusion also.

“It is a core component of the safe reopening of businesses and it is something that all venues are going to have to get to grips with. This can help us to avoid a second spike and the disastrous consequences that would entail, for society and business.

“This guidance provides clear instructions to businesses on their obligations and reminds them why it is important that they make a success of the scheme. It is in the interests of everyone in the country that we all understand our role in the scheme and its importance in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Businesses are urged to read the guidance thoro and ensure that they have the proper procedures in place before they reopen their doors to customers. If they are unsure about any element, they should contact their trade association immediately.”