Eat Out to Help Out scheme launched

RESTAURANTS and other establishments serving food for on-premises consumption can now sign up to a new government initiative to help protect jobs and entice people to safely return to dining out.

The Eat Out to Help Out registration page is now live on gov.uk, allowing businesses to join the scheme announced by Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

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

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill. Businesses simply reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

The scheme is open to eligible establishments across the UK and can be used all day, every Monday to Wednesday, August 3-31, 2020.

Businesses will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme and can download promotional items from gov.uk

Establishments eligible to register must: Sell food that is intended for consumption on the premises when purchased; Provide their own dining area or share a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals; Have registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before July 7.

Businesses can register to be part of the scheme online at gov.uk

Further information for firms, including how to register and make a claim, is available online at gov.uk.

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