Vouchers to boost Hobart restaurant trade

Vouchers will reward Tasmanians who visit Hobart restaurants and cafes this summer under a program to boost local food and beverage trade.

From next month, the City of Hobart plans to make available spending vouchers via a mobile app for use at participating local food and beverage outlets, under a trial program to support local businesses.

The program – likely to be called Passport to Hobart – will feature a $10 digital welcome voucher upon downloading the app and a further $20 voucher awarded after five transactions of $20 or more at participating businesses.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the objective of the program was to encourage residents to support local businesses and to rediscover their own city in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know our local business community has taken a hit from the pandemic,” Cr Reynolds said. “We can all contribute to the city’s economic recovery by choosing to spend locally.

“Hobart has so many fantastic restaurants and cafes and summer is a great time to get out and enjoy them. “Under this program, every time you spend $20 at one of the listed venues, you’ll receive a stamp in your digital passport.

“We hope this will provide a bit of extra incentive to get out and support local businesses and maybe visit some eateries you haven’t tried before.”

Economic Development and Communications Committee Chair Damon Thomas said the City has contacted relevant industry bodies to gauge their response to the program.

“The feedback has been positive, with the acknowledgement that the program would support businesses during these uncertain times,” Ald Thomas said.

He added that details about how to get involved would be available soon.

“Businesses operating within the City of Hobart area will be invited to register as participants,” he said. “But first, there are a few more details to finalise and that will happen in the next few weeks.

“The aim is to have the app available for download and vouchers ready to be used by mid-December. The program will then run until about the end of January.

“We hope it will benefit both businesses and their customers by encouraging and supporting people to enjoy Hobart’s many offerings during the peak summer holiday period.”

Maximum numbers of vouchers and participating businesses will apply, with further eligibility details to be provided shortly.