MAJOR change to popular Dine & Discover voucher program could make millions of Aussies happy in lockdown

Millions of Australians who fear their hospitality vouchers may go to waste due to the latest coronavirus lockdown could be in luck.

The New South Wales government is considering more changes to its popular Dine and Discover voucher scheme as the state struggles to control a fresh virus outbreak that has plunged Sydney and surrounding regions into lockdown for two weeks.

Residents could be able to use their vouchers for takeaway and food deliveries direct from restaurants under a proposal being considered by NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet.

There's also talk of extending the four $25 vouchers a second time beyond July 31 to give recipients more time to use them, The Daily Telegraph reported.

NSW's successful Dine and Discover voucher scheme could be expanded. Pictured are Sydneysiders dining out in Newtown

Hospitality venues in Sydney and the surrounding Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Central Coast areas can only open for takeaway under strict lockdown restrictions.

The $25 vouchers can currently only be used for dining in but could be expanded to takeaways and meals directly ordered from the restaurants but wouldn't extended to include delivery services such as UberEats or Deliveroo.

An expansion of the scheme could be included in an economic stimulus package to be unveiled by Mr Perrottet this week.

Currently only available for dining in, the vouchers could be expanded to also include takeaway anddelivery orders. Pictured is a Bronte cafe open only for takeaways on Saturday

State opposition leader Chris Minns has written to the treasurer to propose a fifth voucher for residents impacted by lockdown

'This expanded criteria would provide an immediate and timely economic boost to local businesses who have just seen their entire cash flow put at risk overnight,' Mr Minns said.

The 'Dine and Discover' scheme gives adult residents four $25 vouchers to spend - two for local hospitality venues and two for cultural venues.

The $500 million voucher scheme was the centrepiece of the NSW government's budget, aiming to get more people spending amid COVID-19.

Patrons using their hospitality vouchers spend an average of $16 on top of their $25 voucher when dining out, according to recent government data.

The proposal comes after Sydney was plunged into a two week lockdown on Saturday. Pictured is a deserted Circular Quay on Sunday night

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