Local restaurants asked to sign up for voucher scheme

Local restaurants are now able now sign up to the Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

The initiative, aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry, and encouraging people to safely return to dining out starts in August. 

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. 

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill.

Businesses reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HM Revenue and Customs.

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, between 3rd and 31st August 2020.

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

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

“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.

“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.”

Who can register?

You can register for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme if your 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  

How to register:

Businesses can register to be part of the scheme online at GOV.UK.

A searchable restaurant finder tool will be available to the public before the scheme launches on 3 August.

The scheme can be used by diners who order food and/or drinks for consumption on the premises. Alcohol is excluded from the offer.

Further information for businesses, including how to register and make a claim, is available online at GOV.UK.