NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced the distribution of new grants of up to $500,000 for councils and $5,000 for businesses to increase outdoor dining opportunities.
“Those alfresco dining changes that were brought in last year as a temporary measure will now become permanent. We know they’ve been incredibly successful in the Sydney CBD … and we want to bring life and laughter into the city during summer,” said NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
Under the new rules, the government will allow outdoor dining exemptions on footpaths for small bars and pubs. This will enable the venues to use the public footpath for additional seating.
“There’s no reason why this should be something that’s just limited to Europe, we want to have it here in Sydney and right across our state,” said Mr. Perrottet.
Councils across NSW can also apply for grants of up to $500,000 to improve their high-street amenities.
“We want to make sure that every single neighbourhood flourishes and has activity and action right through the summer months and beyond. So, these grants will help them with that,” said NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
Individual businesses can apply for grants of $5,000 on a first-come-first-serve basis for 5,000 businesses that want to embrace alfresco dining.
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean told the media now that NSW has begun to open up to the fully vaccinated, hospitality establishments are ready to serve patrons who are eager to enjoy a meal and a day out with friends and family.
“Alfresco dining is not only a great way to dine, it’s a safe way to socialise as we open up. That’s why we are supporting new outdoor entertainment and dining precincts to pop up right across the state through our $66 million Alfresco Restart initiative,” said NSW Treasurer Matt Kean.
The NSW Minister for Digital and Customer Service, Victor Dominello, said the NSW Government was doing all it could to revive the hospitality and entertainment industries, while ensuring people could safely socialise in the sunshine.
“After a long winter, it’s time for Sydney to enjoy a meal or drink in the sunshine and the NSW government is committed to helping businesses do that in time for summer. We’re providing 5,000 hospitality businesses a $5,000 grant to get their outdoor dining venture off the ground – whether that’s to help set-up kerbside dining or a pub-style courtyard, we’re here to turn their ideas into reality,” said Victor Dominello The NSW Minister for Digital and Customer Service.
NSW Government Announces Extension of “Dine & Discover” Vouchers
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced that NSW residents will be able to access an extra $50 to spend at cafes and restaurants as the successful “Dine & Discover” scheme has been extended.
The announcement has coincided with the states to decision to proceed with reopening as a result of the 80 percent double-dose-vaccination target about to be met.
Mr. Perrottet outlined to the media that the decision to expand the “Dine & Discover” program will support residents across the state and encourage economic activity as part of the government’s economic recovery strategy.
“From Byron to Bega and Bellingen to Broken Hill, this is about supporting people to get out and have a meal or spend the day discovering their city while supporting businesses across NSW,” said NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
NSW residents will be given access to the additional vouchers via the Service NSW app, the same way that previous vouchers have been able to be accessed.
The NSW Government revealed that the vouchers will appear on the app before the start of summer, but are yet to provide an exact date for when they will come into effect.
If you are unable to see the vouchers in your app after they become available, you can contact Service NSW and they will send the vouchers to you.
Since being launched in March this year, close to 4.8 million residents have taken advantage of the voucher scheme. Overall since it’s inception the scheme has given NSW businesses a boost of up to $430 million.
NSW residents who are over the age of 18 and are yet to apply, you can still apply and receive six $25 vouchers.
Businesses who are participating in the scheme don’t have to reapply. Businesses who want to join the program are encouraged to register, download the scanner app and get ready to redeem.