How millions of Australians can dine out for free: Free $100 vouchers could be dished out to help the nation’s struggling pubs, cafes and restaurants

Australians could be given $100 restaurant vouchers to help a state's hospitality sector after it was hammered by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Under the plan being considered by the New South Wales government, $500million worth of vouchers would be dished out to be used at cafes, restaurants and pubs across the state. 

The move would be a much-needed boost to the hospitality sector, which has struggled to bounce-back since the lockdown in March.

Domestic border closures, hospitality seating limits and a lack of foreign tourists have added to the industry's troubles. 

Australians could be given $100 restaurant vouchers to help the nations hospitality sector after it was hammered due to the coronavirus pandemic (Pictured: Sydneysiders eating at a cafe in Bronte)

Under the budget plan, which is being considered by the NSW government, about $500million worth of vouchers would be dished out (Pictured: A cafe worker in Sydney)

The scheme, which is being pushed by Restaurant & Catering Australia, resembles the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme in the UK.

The British scheme offered a 50 per cent discount of up to £10 per person (AU$18) during August to boost the hospitality sector.

The NSW scheme would see households with more than two people receive the full $100 restaurant vouchers, while single person households would receive $50.

Punters would only be able to spend the voucher on food as it won't be redeemable for the sale of alcohol. 

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet would not comment on details of the budget. 

But a Treasury spokesman told The Australian the budget was focused on 'creating jobs, boosting the economy and keeping the community safe from COVID-19'.

The NSW scheme would see households with more than two people receive the full $100 restaurant vouchers, while single person households would receive $50

Punters would only be able to spend the voucher on food as it won't be redeemable for the sale of alcohol (Pictured: Women at a Sydney cafe)

Restaurant & Catering Australia chief executive Wes Lambert said the impact the vouchers cannot be understated.

What was the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme?

The UK launched the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme in August to help the struggling hospitality sector. 

Diners were provided with a state-funded 50 per cent discount on food and soft drinks between Mondays and Wednesdays in August. 

 

'It will save businesses and be utterly transformational during a time of immense stress and pressure.'

The hospitality industry was one of the first to close as Australia was pushed into lockdown in March.

Venues in Queensland, Canberra, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, and Tasmania began reopening in May as restrictions were eased, with NSW and Victoria - the country's two most populous states - permitting hospitality businesses to resume operations in June. 

While other sectors have managed to bounce back from the lockdown, the hospitality industry has continued to struggle.

Experts predict the industry won't flourish until the tourism economy is revived.

The state’s COVID-19 budget is still in its final stages, it will be handed down on November 17.