Mandatory signing in another 'hurdle'
Manawatu¯ business owners say ensuring customers sign in to their stores will be a difficult task and are seeking more information on who is responsible if someone refuses.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced on Sunday “mandatory recordkeeping” was being introduced at all alert levels, meaning businesses and events will need to ensure those entering the premises scan in.
But, it is businesses not people that will be held responsible for non-compliance.
Levin clothing store Superminx owner Angela Buswell said its staff had encouraged people to scan in for a long time, but upholding mandatory signing in would be difficult and onerous.
Superminx was normally a solestaff member operation, and it would be challenging for one person to make sure every customer was signing in, on top of normal duties. “But with everything Covid-related, we just have to hope that people comply.”
Buswell said if it was a legal obligation, staff would try their best.
She would display a police phone number for staff to call if there was any conflict. “That’s the only way we can safeguard our staff,” she said.
Palmerston North’s Cyclista Espresso Bar and Roastery owner Steve Stannard said the rule was another hurdle small businesses would have to conquer.
He hadn’t thought about the logistics of opening yet.
‘‘If someone comes in and says, ‘I’m not going to do that’. What do I do? It’s going to be quite difficult.
‘‘This decision is made by people who have never run a business. They need to put themselves in the shoes of a small business, and I don’t think any of them have in the last 18 months.’’
The Office owner Martin Wang said mandatory signing in was a good thing, but would come at an extra cost.
‘‘I believe this is something we should do because if something happens we can notice people earlier.
‘‘The negative side means that businesses will need an extra person.’’
He said finding staff was a ‘‘major problem’’ and businesses would have to wear the cost of hiring someone.
He had bouncers at the door during its nightclub operation, but would need to station someone near the door during the rest of the day.
Manawatu¯ Chamber of Commerce chief executive Amanda Linsley said owners were concerned about who was responsible if a customer refused to comply.
‘‘Our understanding is that the businesses must have systems and processes in place as far as is reasonably practicable and there would be guidance developed to support businesses to comply with the new requirements.
‘‘The process is not the issue, it is the unwilling client or customer and how the business should react where the potential problem lies.‘‘
She said the commerce would seek clarity on behalf of the business community who had a duty of care to ensure staff safety at all times.
Hipkins said mandatory signing in would be required at several locations. ‘‘Those places where records are already kept and people are already required to sign in, like gyms and some workplaces, won’t need to adjust what they are already doing.
‘‘I understand this adds an extra responsibility for businesses and hosts, but it is necessary to help New Zealand maintain its COVID-19 elimination strategy.’’
It will become effective seven days after any decrease in alert levels and apply to those 12 and over.