€16 million in vouchers spent as one third have been used, reports Economy Minister Silvio Schembri

A third of the COVID vouchers issued by the Government, representing €16 million, have been spent at retail outlets, eateries, accommodation, and other services, according to Economy Minister Silvio Schembri.

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Schembri announced that 500,000 transactions have been conducted under the €50 million Government voucher scheme.

Regarding the type of vouchers used, and considering the launch of a digital voucher system for this round of dissemination, the majority of the spending was made using the physical vouchers, with only €6 million being spent through digital vouchers.

Nearly €7 million was spent in retail or on services, whereas €9.2 million was spent at restaurants and accommodation outlets.

Addressing the logistics of the voucher system from a business perspective, the Minister encouraged outlets to make sure they are completing the full process when scanning vouchers digitally, making sure they receive a notification informing them the transaction was completed.

Otherwise, credit might not be transferred to the business, he warned.

Businesses need to also keep VAT receipts, the serial number from the digital vouchers (or the actual physical voucher), to ensure accountability and assist MIMCOL in its audits.

A helpline has been set up to provide businesses with information and assistance on accepting the voucher, on 80074950. Otherwise, they can email business@vouchersmimcol.com

MaltaPost is said to have completed the distribution of printed vouchers by 4th July, and the vast majority of vouchers have been received by residents.

However, 37,851 persons still need to collect their vouchers from post offices, and Mr Schembri encouraged them to do so.

In those cases where people did not receive a missed delivery notification required to pick up the vouchers from a postal branch, they will alternatively be able to obtain a distribution reference number to take to the post office.

The scheme is open to all those who were Malta residents and citizens aged 16 and above when the scheme was initiated in April.