Tamworth hotelier welcomes new $500 million 'out and about' voucher scheme

Powerhouse Hotel manager, Daine Cooper, said anything the government could do to help the industry was welcome.

Each adult resident of the state will receive four $25 vouchers as part of the half-a-billion dollar Out and About program.

Two can be spent at cafes and restaurants, though not on alcohol, smoking or gambling, and also not at the same place. The remaining two can be redeemed for expenditure on entertainment and recreation.

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"It's a welcome idea from the government," Mr Cooper said.

"It will be interesting to see what that does do and how many people do actually redeem these vouchers.

"Twenty five dollars at most restaurants won't get much, especially if you're bringing your family out to dinner or your partner out for dinner, it won't go very far.

"But it might be enough to entice those people who are still sitting at home to get out and spend it and enjoy a dinner."

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the assistance, together with cuts to payroll tax and stamp duty, was designed to get the hospitality industry back off its knees.

"This is designed to get money back into our hospitality and tourism sector," he said.

"When someone does go out to spend, normally they spend a little bit more than [the voucher is worth]. They might bring their friends with them as well. This is about stimulating the economy."

Business NSW Regional Manager Joe Townsend said the vouchers would do exactly that.

The program "will help re-vitalise the hospitality sector, main and grow employment and bring greater vibrancy to key venue precincts," he said.

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