Aberdeen’s hospitality businesses are being encouraged to sign up to a new track and trace system to keep venues safe and give customers peace of mind as the city continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Created in collaboration with business owners and management and backed by Aberdeen City Council and business improvement district, Aberdeen Inspired, the 4Entry system is now live.
The system, which will rely on hospitality venues and customers registering, offers a one-time registration which, unlike other QR systems, puts venues in control to ensure that every customer or patron has signed up. Customers also benefit from the one time sign up, and unique QR code, ensuring a fast and stress-free entry to their favourite premises.
Tony Cochrane, owner of Club Tropicana, has been instrumental in developing the system, and is now encouraging all licensed and non-licensed hospitality businesses in the city to play their part in making 4Entry a success.
Mr Cochrane said: “I’m extremely happy that both Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired have shown their support for the launch of 4Entry which now means Aberdeen will be the first location in the world to have a City Wide Hospitality Entry and Track and Trace App. This is a unique addition in the fight against COVID 19 spread in the city.
“For participating hospitality venues this means no time-consuming sign ins and guaranteed accurate genuine information. For the public, this is a simple one time sign up giving immediate quick simple entry to not just bars and restaurants but to cafes, gyms and any business in the city which requires track and trace. The system will also serve the NHS as a valuable tool as we will provide full access to track and trace if required for instant information and can even pinpoint where someone was seated and every hospitality venue visited for a 21 day period.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired said: “This is a great example of hospitality coming together to create and deliver an innovative solution that ought to provide the necessary reassurance that safety lies at the heart of all that we do in continuing to provide the very best customer experience possible through these challenging times.
“This is a simple and responsible way to navigate through the restrictions we are currently under and we would encourage both venues and the public to sign up to this industry leading scheme. “
Jenny Laing, Co-Leader Aberdeen City Council said: “I am delighted that as part of our Socio-economic Rescue Plan, the Council has been able to provide financial support to help fund the development and roll out of the 4Entry system. This app will help the Aberdeen hospitality industry by ensuring genuine check-in details for everyone entering premises as well as helping NHS Test and Protect in the event of an outbreak of covid-19.
“If Aberdeen is to remain in Tier 2, it is imperative that the Council, NHS Grampian, businesses and citizens all work together to protect the city from Covid-19 and this app is an extremely innovative way to help achieve this aim, and I am certain that the rest of Scotland will be looking to follow Aberdeen’s lead.”
Stuart McPhee, Director of Siberia and spokesman for Aberdeen Hospitality Together added: "A universal entry system that can be applied to all businesses across the city shows just how far we have come in a few short months.
“The innovation that is being driven by collaboration will lead to the strengthening of the resilience of not just the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors in the city. It will assist businesses in managing entry to their premises, simplify the process for the public and help enforce further some of the restrictions we face. I would openly encourage as many businesses as possible to sign up to the 4-entry initiative."
For more information visit www.4entry.uk