Here’s how to access a 25 per cent meal rebate across Victoria

The initiative was launched on Tuesday and is part of the Victorian government’s dining and entertainment program.

People will be able to get 25 per cent off their bill thanks to the Victorian Government.

Victorians will be able to claim back a quarter of their bill when dining out across the state, as part of a push to inject money into hospitality businesses after two tough years.

Rebates will be offered at cafes and restaurants, bars and pubs – when food is purchased – at food trucks, registered clubs, breweries and wineries and at fast food and takeaway outlets.

They can also be used for tickets to the cinema, exhibitions, museums, zoos, theme parks, at the theatre or at music and comedy events.

The initiative was launched on Tuesday and is part of the Victorian government’s dining and entertainment program.

But it won’t be valid in the City of Melbourne, with the popular Melbourne Money program operating at the same time.

The rebate is valid from today. Picture: Peter Tarasiuk/Twam

Under the new program, customers can receive 25 per cent back on their expenses, up to $125.

They must spend at least $40 at each venue to receive a rebate, which will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and will apply until funds run out.

People can only claim back on dining experiences between Monday and Thursday, while the entertainment experiences can be used any day of the week.

The state government has touted the program as building customer confidence and supporting some of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic.

Employment Minister Jalla Pulford said an upcoming recruitment drive would deliver a much-needed boost to the industry. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Meanwhile, the government is desperately trying to fill the gaps in hospitality businesses, launching a recruitment drive during a time of severe staff shortages.

The government announced $6.68 million in funding would be used to support workers to be trained for hospitality jobs with small to medium sized businesses.

Recruitment starts this week and runs until September, creating jobs for people whose employment has been hardest hit by the pandemic, including women over 45, people from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal people, people with disability and young people.

Workers will receive five days’ paid hospitality training such as food handling, barista and responsible service of alcohol training, uniforms and tools of the trade.

They will also get wrap around support throughout the program including mentoring to ensure they are supported to succeed on the job and are set up for a new career in the hospitality industry.

Small and medium-sized hospitality businesses urgently needing staff can access the pool of workers for roles of at least 20 hours of work per week and for up to 26 weeks to assist in managing staff shortages.

“This is a double-win. It'll help jobseekers find work, while giving businesses the certainty they need with more staff to serve millions of Victorians flocking back to pubs, cafes and restaurants,” employment Minister Jalla Pulford said.

“Hospitality staff are in short supply – whether it’s front of house, in the kitchen or behind the bar – so we’re backing more people to work in an industry Victoria is famous for.”

Originally published as Here’s how to access a 25 per cent meal rebate across Victoria