'Melbourne Money' reimbursements will be offered on food and drink purchases made in-store from restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, clubs and local breweries and distilleries within the City of Melbourne.
People who spend between $50 and $500 at hospitality venues from Friday 11 June can apply for 20 per cent of their money back by uploading a receipt online. Food must be included to be eligible.
People are encouraged to submit claims for consideration as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment as the program will be allocated on a first-in-first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
In addition to the CBD, the City of Melbourne incorporates key hospitality precincts such as Chinatown, Lygon Street, Docklands, North Melbourne, Kensington and Southbank.
'Melbourne Money' is offered in partnership with the Victorian Government as part of a $107.4 million contribution to bolster City of Melbourne businesses and entice visitors back.
For more information and program criteria, visit the City of Melbourne website.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp:
"'Melbourne Money' is a great deal for locals and visitors but it is providing critical support to so many businesses in the hospitality industry that have endured the worst trading conditions in living memory," the Lord Mayor said.
"We will reimburse 20 per cent of your bill to go out and enjoy our local cafes and restaurants.
"All tastes and flavours will be rewarded with venues spanning hidden laneway bars, hatted restaurants, rooftop and riverside dining and famous foodie strips like Chinatown and Lygon Street.
"This $8.4 million investment in the program will deliver about $40 million in spending across the City of Melbourne's hospitality providers."
Quotes attributable to City Activation portfolio lead, Councillor Roshena Campbell:
"Our research shows that Melbourne's vibrant hospitality scene was one of the top reasons people visited the city prior to COVID-19 so it's critical we invest in programs to revive this key industry," Cr Campbell said.
"We need our businesses to thrive again as they are a vital part of what makes our city great and a major drawcard for visitors from across the state, country and the world.
"We've designed 'Melbourne Money' to be simple and easy for businesses to be involved and benefit. Every extra dollar that is spent at a hospitality business in our city helps to keep Melburnians in jobs.
"Hospitality businesses in the municipality will be automatically eligible and the City of Melbourne will take care of administering the program with a specialist provider to make it simple to use."