Music venues in ACT and WA to start using QR code check-in apps

Music venues face strict contact tracing rules in the ACT and WA if they are to continue operating during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the ACT, venues will be required to get patrons to use the new free Check In CBR app to enter.

"This is one of the most effective measures that we have to quickly and effectively manage any potential outbreak," said ACT chief minister Andrew Barr.

If venues choose to use the check-in system, from 9am on Wednesday December 2, they will be permitted to have more than 25 people across their venue, subject to one person per two square metres of usable space both indoors and outdoors.

Venues that opt to not use the app remain confined to one person per four square metres indoors and one person per two square metres outdoors.

Large indoor performance venues, such as theatres and arenas – along with GIO Stadium and Manuka Oval – can operate at 65% capacity for seated and ticketed events, up to a maximum of 1,500 people. Events must be ticketed and seated and have a COVID-Safe Plan.

The sector had met with the ACT Government asking for changes before summer.

Speaking to the Canberra Times, Public Bar's Scott Barrie said “businesses could start thriving again”, adding his business was down 30% this year.

Australian Hotels Association ACT general manager Anthony Brierley said the sector responded to the news with sighs of relief, adding, “We could have some kind of Christmas.”

In WA, live music venues and nightclubs must use the state government’s SafeWA QR code app as a condition of entry from December 5. This also includes restaurants, bars, places of worship, beauticians, cinemas, zoos, hotels, gyms, libraries and home inspections.

The SafeWA app was developed by the WA Department of Health. WA health minister Roger Cook said a person’s data would only be stored for 28 days, or two COVID-19 incubation cycles.

"The data will be encrypted at point of capture ... the business and venue operators will not have access to your check-in and personal information and it will not be sold or shared for commercial purposes," he said.

"[The data] will only be accessed in the event of an outbreak and will only be accessed by health personnel."