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Millions of NSW residents will be able to splash the cash in a matter of weeks as the government rolls out $100 vouchers to spend at pubs, restaurants, galleries and theatres.
The NSW Government’s Dine and Discover program aims to get people spending again in hospitality, arts and tourism after these industries were hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
The first locations have been revealed with the four vouchers, worth $25 each, being made available to residents in The Rocks and Broken Hill in early February as part of a pilot program.
It will then be extended to the northern beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley Shire Council in late February.
Findings from the test suburbs will inform a state wide rollout, which is expected to start in March and run until the end of June.
Any NSW resident who is over the age of 18 will be eligible to receive the $100 boost which can be spent at any COVID safe registered NSW business.
The vouchers will expire after three months, but can used Monday through to Thursday at pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars. For entertainment, recreation and cultural use, the vouchers can be used seven days a week for things like sightseeing transport, live music, visiting museums, zoos and theme parks.
Damien Tudehope, NSW Finance and Small Business Minister, said the program would be a boost for small businesses after a challenging time.
“We want people to get out there, support their local businesses and get spending,” he said.
Local businesses can now register for the scheme. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said registering would mean businesses could hit the ground running when the program goes live and “reinvigorate local economies and provide customers with hip pocket relief”.
Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello added that a specialised app has been created so businesses can scan and track voucher usage over the life of the program though a MyServiceNSW Business Profile.
“Businesses will be automatically paid typically within five business days for the value of vouchers redeemed,” he said.
HOW DOES THE SCHEME WORK?
• Any NSW resident aged 18 and above will be eligible to receive a voucher;
• You must be registered with Service NSW;
• Residents will receive four vouchers worth $25 each ($100 in total);
• The vouchers can be used at any participating eligible NSW businesses and venues that have been registered as COVID safe.
The Dine and Discover program is divided into two categories:
• Dining out – two vouchers can be used to buy food at pubs, clubs, restaurants or cafes from Monday to Thursday;
• Going out – Two vouchers can be used for activities like galleries, performing arts, the cinema and amusement parks any day of the week.
HOW CAN MY BUSINESS PARTICIPATE?
For businesses to participate in the Dine and Discover scheme, they must have an implemented COVID Safety Plan and be registered as COVID safe.
More information for businesses is available through the scheme’s website.
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