Coronavirus Australia: Hughesy slams ‘jammed’ Melbourne venues

Comedian Dave Hughesy claims “so many” hospitality businesses in Melbourne are ”ignoring the law” when it comes to contact tracing.

Australian comedian Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes says he had to “insist” on writing his phone number down for contact tracing purposes at a ”busy” Melbourne venue on Friday night.

In a post on Twitter on Saturday, he said there was no QR code system either.

“Is it mandatory?” he asked the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

Melb bars/cafes/restaurants jammed. Busy joint was at last night had no Quick Response system and didn’t direct us to write numbers anywhere till we insisted when leaving. Friend told me had to hassle restaurant last night to get visit recorded. Is it mandatory @VicGovDHHS?

— Dave Hughes (@DHughesy) October 31, 2020

The post prompted mixed responses. One person wrote: "Hospo Business has been screaming to open and they’ll be a major contributor to our bloody undoing the way it’s going."

"Everywhere I have seen so far have had a visitor log," another said.

Others living in regional Victoria said "names and numbers are taken as soon as you enter" and you "must have ID as proof and they count each person".

One woman suggested asking venues whether they have a recording system before making a booking.

Hughesy responded to another person's anecdote about a Brunswick restaurant with "no sign-in" as "#insanity".

Too many of these stories in Melb right now. #insanity https://t.co/SqG9cxtSS1

— Dave Hughes (@DHughesy) October 31, 2020

The DHHS advises "some businesses, workplaces and premises" must ask anyone there for more than 15 minutes to provide their first name and a phone number.

This includes restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes.

"Businesses must keep a record of those details, and the date and time at which the person attended the facility. Where the patrons spend most of their time in a single space (i.e. a dining room, or a cinema), a record of the space used should also be kept," it states on its website.

"There is no need to keep multiple records if patrons move through multiple spaces. Records can be kept electronically or in hard copy. Records should be kept for 28 days.

"Pens used to record details should be wiped with an alcohol wipe between users.

"The record keeping requirement applies to all persons attending a facility or venue for longer than 15 minutes, which may include staff, customers, maintenance and delivery workers."

Earlier, Victorian chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton said residents "deserve" to enjoy their freedom after lockdown but vigilance is key.

"Do not go out if you are unwell and if you feel uncomfortable in space because actually people are facing you closer than they should be then find another space," he said.

"Vote with your feet in terms of being in a setting where you are comfortable and those requirements are being met."