The scheme, which was announced last week in the Chancellor’s summer statement, 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 throughout August.
It can be used by diners who order food and/or drinks for consumption on the premises. Alcohol is excluded from the offer.
The Eat Out to Help Out registration page has gone live this morning [13 July] with the scheme open to eligible establishments across the UK and can be used all day, every Monday to Wednesday, between 3 and 31 August 2020.
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.
Businesses will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme and can also download promotional items. A searchable restaurant finder tool will be available to the public before the scheme launches on 3 August.
“Restaurants and other eligible establishments are now able to support jobs by signing up to a place on the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme,” says Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak.
“HMRC’s quick and easy registration page will soon have you on your way to welcoming back your customers with discounted dining on every Monday to Wednesday throughout August, with a simple process to reclaim these discounts back from the Government each week.”
HMRC is urging businesses to sign up early so they are ready to use the scheme when it starts on 3 August.
“The hospitality industry is among the sectors worst affected by Covid-19,” says Jim Harra, chief executive and first permanent secretary of HMRC.
“The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme will deliver support to around 130,000 businesses, including restaurants, cafes and bars serving food and drink, helping to protect 1.8 million jobs across the UK.
“Businesses have made great efforts to re-open their sit-down services safely in line with social distancing guidance, so people can feel confident to dine out again.”
Hospitality businesses can register for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme if their establishment sells food that is intended for consumption on the premises when purchased; provides its own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals; has registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before 7 July.
For more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme visit here. To register your establishment visit here.