An extensive list of business types must use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service or Victorian Government Application Programming Interface (API) linked digital record keeping system from March 26.

The original grace period given to businesses was due to expire on April 23, but workplaces have been given an extra week to sign up for the system or they may be fined up to $9913.

Stawell's Cafe Livindi owner Marlene said the changes won't affect the way she has her customers 'sign-in'.

"If they can't use the QR code, they still need to sign in, so what is the point in having both," she said.

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"I am happy with the sign-in sheets, all this stuff is the same.

"We have the sign-in sheets, we have our spaces all marked out and our sanitizer.

"Some of our customers don't have a mobile phone, so it is just a bit much at the moment."

Workplaces and venues required to record visitors through the free QR code system must have their records linked to the record keeping system by Friday April 30 2021.

However, businesses can have patrons record their contact details by hand or onto another device such as an online form that does not require the use of a phone camera to scan a QR code.

Under the rules, venues must make reasonable efforts to ensure that visitors can use a compliant recordkeeping system even where a visitor cannot access the system on their own device for some reason (e.g. they do not have a mobile phone).

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This could include making a terminal (e.g. an iPad) available for customers to sign in, or staff assisting the customer to sign in.

In exceptional circumstances where such an approach is not practicable, an alternative record keeping approach (including a non-electronic approach) can be used as a back-up.

Kathy Sparks is a regular Stawell cafe diner and said she often 'signs-in' using different methods depending on the venue.

"I'm normally sign-in and I'll do the QR code too," she said.

"It can be a bit painful having to do it all the time and sometimes you think about where you details might be going, but I don't worry too much.

"Using the mobile device is is easy enough for me and for my family, and I have some family who live in the city and they have just got used to it."

Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, clubs and hotels all need to be using the Service Victoria check-in system. Any location that serves food and drinks must also make the QR code system available for patrons.

An extensive list of other venues that must use the QR code system can be found on the Victorian Government website

Business operators can apply for their own QR code through the state government's online registration page.

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