Melbourne diners can claim back 20 per cent of their restaurant bill this long weekend

Melburnians heading out for a meal to mark the end of the two-week lockdown have another reason to celebrate, with the City of Melbourne announcing it will reimburse diners 20 per cent of their restaurant bill, for a limited time.

Diners who spend between $50 and $500 at hospitality venues within the City of Melbourne's boundaries are eligible to claim back a portion of their total bill, until funds from an available kitty of $8.4 million are exhausted. So first come, first served, or rather, first served, first reimbursed.

The program commenced early Friday morning in line with the easing of lockdown restrictions. Individuals can claim back a total of $100, across one or multiple meals, provided the bill includes food (not just drinks) and the $50 minimum spend is met. Takeaway food is OK, too, as long as it was ordered direct and you collected it yourself.

The rebates, part of the broader Melbourne Money program, are jointly funded by the council and the Victorian government.

The council area covers the CBD and surrounding suburbs such as Flemington, Kensington, Carlton and Southbank.

To make a claim, upload a tax invoice (an itemised receipt including the business' ABN) at money.melbourne.vic.gov.au and if approved, funds will be returned to your nominated account within five business days. See melbourne.vic.gov.au for more information.