New tracing app launched for Aberdeen venues and customers

A new app has been launched in a bid to keep Aberdeen venues and customers safe as they respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

4Entry relies on hospitality venues and customers registering their details, which can then be scanned on entering a bar or restaurant.

It also offers a one-time registration, which allows venues to ensure that every customer has signed up.

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 tack 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 level two, 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, said: "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 4Entry initiative."