Sarah Courtney,Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events
We know hospitality businesses were some of the hardest hit by the public health restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is why the Tasmanian Liberal Government has allocated $10 million to help the sector recover by assisting impacted Tasmanian hospitality businesses with their energy costs through the COVID-19 Hospitality Energy Rebate Grant Program.
One-off rebate payments will be made available to eligible hospitality businesses that offer in-house seated dining or drink service, to assist with energy bills for both gas and electricity for the period of July to September 2020.
Businesses will be eligible for a capped rebate on their energy bills based on annual turnover with rebates ranging from up to $1,000* for businesses with a turnover of $50,000-$200,000 to up to $10,000* for businesses with a turnover of between $5 million to $10 million.
To be eligible, businesses must be able to demonstrate a 30 per cent or more decline in turnover between April and June 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Businesses whose energy bills are less than the maximum rebate may also receive a reimbursement to the value of the valid electricity and/or gas bill.
We have worked closely with industry to develop the Hospitality Energy Rebate Program to ensure we are delivering the right support to where it is needed most and I want to thank the THA for their constructive input into the program.
The COVID-19 Hospitality Energy Rebate Grant Program will open for applications at 9:00am on Monday 14 December 2020 and close at 12 noon on Friday 29 January 2021. Applications will be submitted via the SmartyGrants system with assessment commencing after the program closes.
We know it has been an incredibly tough year for hospitality venues which is why my focus is on supporting the industry which is vital to our economy.
As one of the largest employers in Tasmania the hospitality industry is fundamentally important to the tourism industry and is the lifeblood of Tasmania's regional economies.
The easing of restrictions on dancing and vertical drinking is another welcome step for the hospitality sector. As I encourage Tasmanians to get out and about and support their favourite local pub or restaurant, please remember to comply with signage and staff directions - we all have a role to play to keep on top of COVID as we celebrate the festive season.
For full eligibility criteria see the Guidelines at www.business.tas.gov.au or call 1800 440 026
*If demand for the scheme exceeds $10 million, the maximum rebate sizes may be lowered to ensure all eligible applicants receive support.
