The Melbourne Money dining scheme is back with a midweek special, giving Victorians a chance to save big on their bill at the city's best cafés, bars and restaurants.
$5 million has been allocated for a second serving of the popular initiative, which will focus on midweek dining to encourage visitors to keep the city buzzing beyond the weekend.
From today, diners will be able to claim 30 per cent off their bill when they spend $50 or more between Monday and Thursday, up to a total spend of $500. Diners must upload a copy of their receipt in order to make a claim.
Following the success of the first course of the initiative in May, the rebate has been increased from 20 to 30 per cent.
It will bring diners back into the city during the week, answering the call from business owners to boost foot traffic on weekdays.
The Midweek Melbourne Money scheme applies to all restaurants, cafes and bars where meals are served across the municipality. It will continue until funds are exhausted.
Midweek Melbourne Money is being offered through the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund - a joint partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
Attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
"The first round of Melbourne Money was such a huge success that we had to come back for seconds," the Lord Mayor said.
"We know that Melbourne Money drives people into the city. Last time, we saw $40 million pour into our hospitality businesses and foot traffic bounced back three times faster than after previous lockdowns, with a flow-on effect to retail, entertainment and other city businesses.
"Our Night Time Economy Advisory Committee has told us that weekday trading has been significantly impacted by people working from home, so we're rolling out Midweek Melbourne Money, and encouraging people to dine out during the week.
"When the city last enjoyed a long stretch of freedom, weekday pedestrian activity still lagged at some 60 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels, while activity on weekends was as high as 85 per cent.
"It's clear we need to help our city business owners during the week, so we want people to make a day or night of it by grabbing a rebated meal and supporting other retail and entertainment businesses while they're here."
Attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
"Following the first round of Melbourne Money, our city bounced back three times more quickly than after previous lockdowns and 85 per cent of customers told us the scheme was a key factor in their decision to visit the city," Cr Campbell said.
"We know Melbourne Money works to drive visitation to the city and as we emerge from this devastating lockdown that will be critical to our economic recovery. We are delivering another round with an increased rebate to bring visitors back which supports all our city businesses.
Attributable to Andrew McConnell, Restauranteur
"We were elated to see how well the first round of Melbourne Money worked to drive people back into the city," Mr McConnell said.
"With a midweek focus, we hope this new round of Melbourne Money encourages people to join us for a dining experience, whether for those long overdue lunches, or even an impromptu date night after a day of working in the city."
"There really doesn't need to be a reason to go out now we've gotten out - the chance to catch up with friends again is too good."
Attributable to Liz Rodriguez, Grossi Restaurants
"Diners took to the Melbourne Money program with gusto, supporting Melbourne's small businesses," Ms Rodriguez said.
"We would like to see a boost to nightlife during the week and the lure of 30 per cent off your bill will certainly help make this happen.
"Please take advantage of the rebate and support the great options in the City of Melbourne by coming in for a midweek meal."
