The New South Wales Government will hand out additional $25 meal vouchers to encourage more Sydneysiders to go for Friday lunches in the CBD.
The new vouchers, which can be utilised four at a time for a total of $100 off a meal and can only be used on Fridays, will be accepted in areas around the 2000 postcode, and is expected to bring more life into the ailing CBD.
“Friday is a fun day. We have listened to businesses and industry and want to kickstart the weekend,” said NSW state treasurer Dominic Perrottet.
“This will be a targeted program designed to get people back into the CBD and boost business. We want people to come in, enjoy what our city has to offer, spend a little extra on retail and services businesses, and in the process create jobs and stimulate the economy.”
The new vouchers will be delivered through the Service NSW app in the same way as the recently-extended Dine & Discover Vouchers.
Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra said the vouchers are a step in the right direction, and will help generate much needed foot traffic throughout the business district.
“While the CBD office occupancy rate has been steadily improving, there aren’t as many people doing the things they would be normally – like grabbing a coffee from a nearby café, shopping during their lunch break or having dinner and drinks in the city after work,” said Zahra.
“There is a strong link between hospitality, events and retail and the meal vouchers are a fantastic way to get people back enjoying the best of what the Sydney CBD has to offer.”
