The New South Wales Government is looking to help the state continue its recovery from lockdown, by extending the Alfresco Restart and Dine & Discover initiatives.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the extended Alfresco Restart funding will help people across the state 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,” Kean said.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government is doing all it can to revive the hospitality and entertainment industries, while ensuring people can 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,” Mr Dominello said.
“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 curb-side dining or a pub-style courtyard, we’re here to turn their ideas into reality.”
In addition to the permanent easing of rules for dining on footpaths and public spaces, the NSW Government is temporarily allowing outdoor dining on privately-owned bowling greens and carparks, meaning businesses can expand outdoors on almost any piece of land they own to welcome more customers
The Alfresco Restart initiatives being rolled out from November include:
- The Festival of Place – including the Long Summer Nights Program at the Rocks, Darling Harbour and The Domain, Streets as Shared Spaces Program, Summer Night Fund Program and Open Streets Program;
- Emergency temporary alfresco measures for outdoor dining in parks or on private land with the owner’s consent; and
- $5,000 grants for hospitality businesses to establish new alfresco settings;
- Permanent outdoor dining as an exempt development for pubs and small bars state-wide.
The NSW Government is also giving citizens across the state two additional Dine & Discover vouchers, one for dining and one for discovery, which once again will be available through the ServiceNSW app.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the expanded 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,” the Premier said.
Treasurer Kean added: “We experienced the success of the Dine & Discover program when we reopened last time, which is why we are doubling down efforts with an additional two $25 vouchers – one for Dine and one for Discover venues.
“We are backing our businesses and helping hip pockets by expanding the program, in addition to extending existing vouchers until the end of June 2022.”
NSW residents aged 18 years and over who are yet to apply will be able to do so until the program ends and will receive all six $25 vouchers.
Participating businesses do not need to reapply. Those who want to join the program are encouraged to register, download the scanner app and get ready to redeem.