Melburnians have claimed millions in cash back through the Melbourne Money dining discount program, with funds from the $8.4 million scheme exhausted in less than five weeks.
Today is the final chance for Melburnians to submit receipts dated between 11 June and 13 July. Eligible Melbourne Money claims that are submitted before 11.59pm tonight will be paid out.
More than 270,000 degustations, brunches and snacks have been rebated, amounting to $40 million flowing into our hospitality businesses.
Diners splurged in support of more than 3000 restaurants, cafes and bars across the municipality, with favourites including the Carlton Wine Room, Gold Leaf Restaurant in Docklands, The Meat & Wine Co in Southbank and Entrecôte in South Yarra.
Chinese food was on the menu for plenty of diners, with hotpot and yum cha among the most popular cuisines.
Melbourne Money was offered in partnership with the Victorian Government as part of its $107.4 million contribution to bolster City of Melbourne businesses and bring back the buzz.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp:
"Melbourne Money has been critical to support hospitality businesses bounce back after some of the toughest trading conditions in living memory due to the pandemic," the Lord Mayor said.
"Every meal that has been discounted through the Melbourne Money program has helped to keep Melburnians working in the hospitality industry employed.
"Melbourne has the best dining and coffee scenes in Australia and Melbourne Money helped to remind everybody about the amazing experiences on offer here in the municipality."
Quotes attributable City Activation Portfolio Lead, Councillor Roshena Campbell
"Melburnians truly embraced Melbourne Money and used it to support their favourite bars, cafes and restaurants, with an average spend of $152 delivering around $30 in cash back," Cr Campbell said.
"About 65 per cent of diners using the scheme came from outside the City of Melbourne so the program was a smashing success.
"Amazingly, 85 per cent of people claiming Melbourne Money said the scheme was one of their main reasons for coming into the city during this period."
