Restaurants, cafes and pubs are being urged to sign up to the Government’s new Eat Out to Help Out initiative which will encourage people to dine out by giving them up to £10 each off a meal.
The 50 per cent discount will apply to all food and soft drink orders on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout August, as long as they are eaten on the premises.
Business owners then claim the money back from the Government.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak hopes the scheme will boost the tourism and hospitality industry by attracting customers on quieter days of the week, helping businesses build up their customer base.
Only businesses who are on the official register – which opened on 13 July and remains open until 31 August – will be able to offer the discount and be reimbursed.
Business owners need to register their details on the Government website. The list of registered businesses will be published soon.
Those that are registered will be able to claim the money back from the Government between 7 August and 30 September, with reimbursements set to reach businesses within five working days.
Work and school canteens can also join the register. A dedicated helpline and online chat is being set up by the Government to answer any queries.
Venues must have taken Covid-secure measures and follow the correct current guidelines to ensure their customers are safe.
Only places that offer an eat-in service are be eligible for the scheme. This means there will be no discounts available for takeaway-only restaurants, mobile food vans or private catering services.
The 50 per cent discount will apply to both adults and children and includes soft drinks. Diners will be able to get their discounts every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 August 2020 until 31 August 2020, and there is no limit to how many times the discount is used.
