The Government’s landmark “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme, designed to support food and drink businesses affected by Covid-19, has been officially launched today.
However, there is still time for bars, restaurants, and cafes to register for the scheme which runs throughout the month of August.
Under the scheme, customers dining at participating establishments on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are entitled to a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks up to the value of £10 per person.
The participating business can then reclaim the discount through a Government portal on a weekly basis.
According to the latest figures, more than 72,000 eligible businesses have already registered to participate in the funded scheme, bringing a much-needed boost to the cash-strapped hospitality sector.
Commenting on the launch of the scheme, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “Our Eat Out to Help Out scheme’s number one aim is to help protect the jobs of 1.8 million chefs, waiters and restaurateurs by boosting demand and getting customers through the door.
“More than 72,000 establishments will be serving discounted meals across the country, with the government paying half the bill. The industry is a vital ingredient to our economy and it’s been hit hard by coronavirus, so enjoy summer safely by showing your favourite places your support – we’ll pay half.”
To register, your business must sell food and drink for “immediate consumption” on the premises, provide its own or shared dining area, and must have been registered as a “food business” with the relevant local authority on or before 07 July to prevent fraud.
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