Lunch vouchers plate up a boost for CBD economy

Business Sydney

Business Sydney believes the Treasurer’s $50 million in Friday lunch vouchers is a great targeted stimulus for the CBD on what is the quietest day for hospitality and retail businesses in the city.

“A free Friday lunch on the government will entice workers into the CBD and boost business, not just for hospitality venues but for many other businesses in the city on days when the city streets are still very empty in the nation’s once thriving economic driver,” said Damian Kelly, Acting Executive Director of Business Sydney.

“It’s hoped this initiative will kick-start a permanent return to city offices on Fridays for the thousands still working from home and we strongly encourage staff to return to their workplaces to help drive the engine room of the state’s economy.

“The CBD is still running below 70% of pre-Covid capacity, considerably less on Mondays and Fridays, so the incentive for workers of four $25 vouchers to enjoy a lunch in the 2000 postcode will be money well spent in this pre-budget stimulus.

“This is one of the many ideas we discussed at the second Sydney Summit as part of revitalising the CBD that is recovering more slowly than other CBD’s and town centres across Sydney and we applaud the government for taking this leadership role.

“Extending the Dine & Discover vouchers until the end of July, the Sydney Solstice program and now these additional $100 per person Friday-focused lunch vouchers are part of a much-needed commitment by government and business to grow the CBD economy back to pre-Covid levels.” Mr. Kelly said.

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