Victorian Government announces restaurant vouchers of up to $100

One state has announced new restaurant and cafe voucher funding - where residents can claim up to $100 - in a bid to help struggling businesses.

The Victorian Government will set aside close to $260 million in an attempt to revive Melbourne’s central business district.

Acting Premier James Merlino on Sunday announced the boost to dining, arts and cultural events in the city’s inner urban areas hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Merlino confirmed $107.4 million would be allocated to expand outdoor dining in the CBD.

Another $8.4 million will be put toward dining vouchers for people to use at restaurants and cafes.

The vouchers will work as a rebate of 20 per cent capped at $100.

Victoria's acting Premier James Merlino. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“Life is returning to the CBD and we’re making sure the recovery continues with support for all of the things that Victorians and visitors love about Melbourne,” Mr Merlino said.

“We’re backing the buzz of our cafes, restaurants and bars – and the people who make their living from them.”

A further $200 million will be invested by both the City of Melbourne and the state government to create the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund, in a bid to renew inner city spaces which have been neglected for the last 12 months.

The money is designed to assist in rejuvenating Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

City of Melbourne mayor Sally Capp said it would help keep thousands of jobs.

“We know there’s still more to do to support our city’s economic recovery and that’s why this joint fund is so important for local businesses and workers,” she said.

The Victorian government is also pledging an additional $55 million in a “Visit Victoria” marketing campaign to draw people in from interstate and New Zealand.

Originally published as Victorian Government announces restaurant vouchers of up to $100