Dine and Discover vouchers: Expiry date looming for $12m in unused vouchers

The initiative is part of the NSW Government's COVID-19 response, and so far it has brought a $15m boost to the local government area, thanks to the redemption of 605,362 vouchers.

But, there's still a further 481,105 yet-to-be-used vouchers (worth $12m) allocated to northern beaches residents that will expire on June 30.

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Kiss my Axe in Brookvale is among the 609 northern beaches businesses registered with Dine and Discover, and owner Jason Macdonald accepts around 80-100 vouchers each week.

"It keeps the lights on and staff in jobs," he said.

"It's been really wonderful for us because there was a lot of time that we couldn't open. It's definitely brought in people we wouldn't have seen."

Mr Macdonald urged people to use the vouchers before it's too late. "Don't let that money go unspent," he said.

Alma restaurants in Avalon and Freshwater are also accepting vouchers, and co-owner Jack Leary praised the program.

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"They're bringing in a younger crowd in Avalon, or people who have a lower income, because they're at uni or have just left school and they're seeing a little bit more value by using them," he said.

"I feel like some people are a bit embarrassed to use them, but don't be, just come in and use them. Have a great time and do it a little bit cheaper."

Manly Business Chamber president Charlotte Rimmer was among those who fought for support for local businesses amid the COVID lockdowns. She said she was "absolutely shocked" and "astonished" that so many vouchers remained unused.

She urged staff to start reminding customers to redeem their vouchers before it was too late.

Ms Rimmer said the vouchers represented a huge economic benefit to businesses, but only if people redeem them.

"If you are in doubt or unsure how to use them, feel free to go into our local business to find out how to use them," she said.

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The average customer spend with every $25 voucher is $39.44 in the LGA.

Dine and Discover was launched in February 2021 and initially, residents over 18 years old were given $100 in vouchers - two $25 'dine' and two $25 'discover'. Then, in November 2021, residents received an additional two vouchers - one dine and one discover.

Discover NSW registered businesses can still accept Parents NSW Vouchers until October 9, 2022.

Find out where you can spend your vouchers here.

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