Last month, chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the “Eat Out To Help Out” government scheme. The scheme has been implemented to encourage people to get back into restaurants, cafes and pubs to try and improve the UK’s economy after it took a bit of a nosedive thanks to lockdown.
The initiative means that between Monday and Wednesday though the month of August (3rd-30th), the government will cover half of the cost of a meal out at certain restaurants, up to £10 a head. This includes children’s meals and non-alcoholic drinks.
Mr Sunak is hoping to provide a welcome boost to an economy hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and has acknowledged the hospitality industry has been one of the worst affected.
The “Eat Out To Help Out” registration page went live on Monday 23th July with the scheme open to eligible establishments across the UK
Who can Register?
You can register if your establishment:
- sells food for immediate consumption on the premises
- provides its own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals
- was registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before 7 July
Despite our talks with the government they’re not allowing Business who only offer takeaway meals to take part in the scheme.
Once a business has registered and approved you will be able to download posters to help you promote the scheme and let your customers know that you’re taking part. As a business you can make weekly claims and HMRC will publish more guidance on claims.
You still have time
To register your business head over to the government website.