Eat Out to Help Out launches with over 72,000 restaurants signed up

By James McAllister

- Last updated on GMT

Eat Out to Help Out Government scheme launches with over 72,000 restaurants signed up

Related tags Government Coronavirus

More than 72,000 restaurants across the UK have now signed up to participate in the Government's Eat Out to Help Out initiative, which launches today (3 Aug).

The scheme, which was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month, is aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.

Restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments who use the scheme will offer a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.

It can be used by diners who order food and/or drinks for consumption on the premises, however, alcohol is excluded from the offer.

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will deduct the discount from their bill, and then be able to reclaim the discounted amount through an online service.

Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days, however, businesses must wait seven days from registration to make their first claim.

"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," says Chancellor Rishi Sunak. 

"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."

Those establishments that sign up to Eat Out to Help Out will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme and can also download promotional items.

They will also appear on the online Eat Out to Help Out restaurant finder tool​, which has so far been accessed more than 3.3 million times according to the Treasury.

For more information about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and how to register your business, click here​.

To read BigHospitality​'s Lowdown on what different restaurant business are doing to promote the initiative, click here​. 

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