Hospitality should win after a battering during COVID-19 lockdown.
The extension of the ‘Dine and Discover’ program will boost the recovery of the hospitality industry as it emerges from lock-down, said Member for Orange, Phil Donato.
Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced a further two $25 vouchers will be available to citizens from December, while businesses can apply for grants to make their dining venue more ‘al fresco’ friendly. A shot in the arm for food and beverage providers will hopefully come from this next round of support.
“I’m pleased the NSW Government has expanded the Dine and Discover program, with the announcement of two additional $25 vouchers for each NSW resident aged 18 and over,” Mr Donato said.
Given it’s now Spring – a peak time for tourists – and the school holidays have past, hospitality and accommodation businesses have suffered.
“The Dine and Discover program was designed to stimulate the economy and help keep local businesses afloat,” he said.
Despite not being part of the Coalition, Mr Donato welcomes the move in order to support rebuilding after COVID-19 lockdown during Summer.
“I support any initiative to help get small businesses back on their feet. I’d encourage people to support their local community, insofar as possible, by using their Dine and Discover vouchers at participating venues in their hometown,” he said.
He’s saddened to see economic downturn throughout the electorate in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many small businesses have suffered a massive financial blow as a result of the recent stay-at-home orders, and some, sadly, have not survived.”
The vouchers will be available from Service NSW on December 1. People have until June 2022 to spend them.
The $5000 business grants come via a State Government Al Fresco Restart Package to boost outdoor dining, live music and entertainment post-lockdown.
Hospitality businesses have to use the money to help set up permanent outdoor dining.