Residents of Avalon and other suburbs in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley may now take advantage of the free Dine & Discover NSW gift vouchers from the government in a bid to support the food and entertainment industry impacted by the pandemic lockdowns.
Beginning March 2021, locals over 18 years old can use their gift vouchers (four $25 vouchers) at participating establishments if they have applied for the privilege by logging on to their Service NSW account or by using the Service NSW mobile app.
How to Use Dine & Discover Vouchers
Participating businesses will honor the Dine & Discover NSW vouchers every Monday to Thursday (for food business) or any day of the week (for cultural, arts and live music venues). The vouchers may not be used during public holidays. Excluded in the scheme are takeaway meals, online food orders, alcohol, tobacco and gambling.
This is the second and expanded trial phase to help the hospitality, arts and tourism industry bounce back after major losses due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Earlier, the trial was launched within a small group in The Rocks and Broken Hill.
The State Government has funded $500 million into this rescue package to encourage residents to support local businesses. The scheme is expected to expand with more areas and establishments.
As such, applying for the vouchers does not carry a cut-off date and residents may still redeem when the scheme has been extended state-wide.
To use the Dine & Discover NSW vouchers:
- Log in to the Service NSW App on your mobile device.
- Select ‘Vouchers’.
- Select the valid voucher you wish to use.
- Select ‘Find a business’ to choose a participating business.
- Present the voucher QR code for the business to scan at payment.
- Your device will show the voucher as being used.
- Residents may also download from the website the print the vouchers to be scanned at the establishment.
Businesses must register to be part of the program and receive their payments from the grant.
“It’s not too late for eligible businesses to register. It can be done online and could bring more customers through the door. Customers should also download the Service NSW app now and reap the rewards,” Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.
Cash Grants Scheme
Meanwhile, a separate cash grants scheme to complement the Dine and Discover scheme has been launched to provide relief for small businesses.
Establishments that suffered 30 percent or 50 percent losses in revenues, between December 2020 and February 2021, would be eligible to receive $3,000 or $5,000 from the government as payment. Businesses can use this payment for maintenance and rent, wages or legal fees.
In December 2020, more than 150 COVID-19 cases were linked to an Avalon outbreak, prompting officials to put the Northern Beaches under lockdown. Additional measures were also tightened in Sydney amidst the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
By January 2021, face masks became mandatory in enclosed places whilst strict fines were imposed on violators. Restaurants slowly re-opened in a limited capacity and required locals to present their confirmed bookings and passes.
On 21 February 2021, the State Government launched its vaccination program. By this time, there has been no recovered COVID-19 transmission for nearly 40 days in NSW.
The government said that restrictions will be reviewed in the middle of March.
