Dine and Discover NSW: Everything You Need to Know

In early 2021 the NSW Government launched the Dine and Discover scheme. The initiative was designed specifically to help the hospitality and entertainment industries across the state by encouraging NSW residents to get out and about and give a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Dine and Discover was due to end in June 2021, however, the NSW Government extended the scheme until June 30, 2022, as well as updating the acceptance criteria for vouchers.

With less than a month to go until the end of the scheme, NSW residents will be rushing to use up their vouchers with eligible hospitality businesses. If your business hasn’t registered yet, it’s still possible to sign up and encourage potential customers through your doors to spend their vouchers.

We’ve wrapped up all the important information so you can understand more about the scheme, if your business is eligible and how to apply. 

How does the scheme work?

All NSW residents over the age of 18 will be given six $25 vouchers (totalling $150) to spend at participating COVID-safe businesses, ranging from restaurants and cafes to theatres and art galleries.

The Dine and Discover vouchers will be split into two categories and residents will receive three $25 vouchers per category:

• Hospitality (Dine) – vouchers can be spent at participating hospitality venues including cafes, restaurants, pubs, wineries, clubs and bars.
• Entertainment and recreation (Discover) – vouchers can be spent at a range of entertainment venues, for things like live music events, cinemas, amusement parks or art shows.

Residents can access their vouchers via the Service NSW app or website and they must be redeemed in person at their chosen venue. 

Vouchers can be used 7 days a week, including public holidays, however, they can not be redeemed for the following products or services:

• Alcohol, gambling or tobacco
• Cash, even if the full value of the voucher is not redeemed
• Online-only services and food delivery orders.

Takeaway meals

When the Dine and Discover scheme first launched residents were limited to using their vouchers for dine-in service only. This requirement has been expanded and customers can now redeem their vouchers for takeaway food services.

Please note that Dine and Discover vouchers can’t be redeemed via third party delivery services and must be spent directly with your business.

Remember: takeaway businesses must display their NSW Government QR code. When picking up takeaway food, customers must use the Service NSW check-in.

What does this mean for your business?

The Dine and Discover scheme aims to restore consumer confidence – something that’s taken a big hit in 2020 and 2021 – by encouraging residents to spend money at a variety of local businesses.

To be eligible for Dine & Discover NSW, your business needs to:

• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Be registered for GST
• Operate in NSW in an eligible industry (for a full list, please click here)
• Be registered as COVID-safe and have a COVID Safety Plan in place.

There is still time to register your business to participate in Dine and Discover NSW. If you would like to participate in the scheme please register your business.