The Dine and Discover voucher program has been extended until August 31 and can now be used for take away meals delivered to your home by the venue itself.

Food may also be picked up from venue, but a check in with a QR code will be required. The vouchers cannot be redeemed for takeaway using third party delivery platforms.

Grants for business

The changes were announced today by the NSW Government, along with a new grants package to help NSW businesses impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Small businesses can also now apply for grants of between $5,000 and $10,000.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the centrepiece of the package was the small business support grants which will help businesses by alleviating cashflow constraints while trading is restricted.

What can the grants be used for?

The money can be used for business expenses such as rent, utilities and wages, for which no other government support is available.

Three different grant amounts will be available for small businesses depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions - $10,000 for a 70% decline, $7000 for a 50%decline and $5000 for a 30% decline.

Small business grants are available for sole traders and non-for-profit organisations, with expanded criteria to assist most hospitality and tourism operators hit hard by the restrictions during school holidays.

Businesses will be able to apply for the grants through Service NSW later in July and will need to show a decline in turnover across a minimum two-week period after the commencement of major restrictions on June 26.

The grants will be divided into two streams:

1. Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant. 

Available to businesses and sole traders with a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum but below the NSW Government 2020 21 payroll tax threshold of $1,200,000 as at 1 July 2020.

These businesses must have fewer than 20 full time equivalent employees and an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in New South Wales or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in New South Wales.

2. Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 Support Grant.

Available to tourism or hospitality businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and an annual Australian wages bill of below $10 million, as at 1 July 2020.

These businesses must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in New South Wales or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in New South Wales. (Full criteria will be available in coming days on the Service NSW website).

There will also be an optional deferral of payroll tax payments due in July 2021 and the deferral of hotel June quarter gaming machine tax, with the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue able to provide for appropriate repayment arrangements on a case by case basis.

More information on the small business support grants and changes to the Dine & Discover program will be available shortly on the Service NSW website.