Backlash over cafe's 'disgraceful' QR code sign

Sunday, 24 January 2021

A South Island cafe is under fire after telling customers to use the Covid-19 tracer app only if they “feel the need”.

But the cafe owner said he is “not policing people” over scanning, which is “not a law”.

A photo of the QR code at Mad Cafe in Collingwood, modified to tell patrons scanning is “optional”, was posted to Twitter by a passer-by.

“So if you are in Collingwood Nee Zealand [sic] I would avoid this cafe and tell management why!” the post said.

Mad Cafe in Collingwood has added to its QR code sign, telling customers scanning in is 'optional'.

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The post drew criticism, with many people saying they would boycott the Golden Bay cafe and encourage others to do the same.

Recent data shows use of the Covid Tracer app has dropped significantly over the summer period.

“Ha! Had a few meals there in my time, not any more, that's one local and his family not going there any more. Don't mind you having a point of view, just don't shove it in my face, especially if you want me to buy your food!” one person wrote.

”I send a lot of lodge guests to Collingwood. I will have to remember to tell them what to avoid as well as what to see,” another commented.

”Thanks for the heads up – we jumping a flight today to Nelson for four days. Was heading up that way but will bypass the entire town! Team of 5 million minus 256,” another said.

But the cafe owner, who goes by the name of Nganga, said there is no virus in Golden Bay and he “doesn’t accept” the coronavirus is real.

“It’s all about getting the vaccine…and what goes into these unproven vaccines?… I’ve got a fair idea,” he told 1 News.

“A micro chip is one little thing I wouldn’t want having. I'm after the truth not twisted stories.”

Nganga said most customers scan the code, regardless of his addition, and it has not drawn any comments.

A Ministry of Health spokesman said it is “not appropriate for a cafe to be writing ‘optional if you feel the need' on top of the QR Code'.

'We understand it is voluntary to scan, however businesses are required to display QR codes for good reason. Many businesses recognise the importance of scanning and include the words ‘please scan in’ at the top of the code.

'We ask businesses to take the matter seriously, something New Zealanders also expect. Businesses know the impact a community outbreak can have on them, and we all need to play our part.'

Recent data shows scan rates have dropped significantly over the summer period, prompting the launch of Stuff's “Stop! Scanner time” campaign earlier this month.

On Friday, the Covid Tracer app had 2,456,488 registered users, while the number of poster scans reached 157,181,754. Users have created 6,347,771 manual diary entries.