Government’s half-price restaurant scheme Eat Out To Help Out finally launches – amid anger from businesses in lockdown cities who will miss out on the trade
- Restaurants, pubs and cafes offering half-price meals to diners from today
- The offer, only available between Mondays and Wednesdays, is capped at £10
- More than 72,000 eateries signed up to the scheme, according to Rishi Sunak
The government’s half-price restaurant scheme Eat Out To Help Out is launching today.
Restaurants, pubs and cafes will be offering half-price meals to diners during August in an attempt to boost the hospitality sector following the Covid-19 lockdown.
From Monday, members of the public will be able to enjoy 50% off eat-in meals ordered at participating outlets under the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
The government’s half-price restaurant scheme Eat Out To Help Out is launching today. McDonald’s is one of the participating establishments
Toby Carvery in Langley, Slough, one of the participating restaurants where diners will be able to enjoy half-price meals
The offer, which is only available between Mondays and Wednesdays, will be capped at £10 and does not apply to alcohol.
Vouchers are not required for those booking tables, with the participating eateries deducting 50% from the bill and charging the discount to the Treasury.
More than 72,000 eateries have signed up to the scheme, according to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, which includes food and non-alcoholic drinks.
More than 72,000 eateries have signed up to the scheme, according to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, which includes food and non-alcoholic drinks
The Treasury has estimated a family of four can get up to £40 off on a meal out.
The Chancellor said: ‘To get customers back into restaurants, cafes and pubs and protect the 1.8 million people who work in them we will give everyone an “eat out to help out” discount.’
The discount can be claimed as many times as you like in participating restaurants and cafes, and is automatically available without the need for a voucher.
More than 72,000 eateries have signed up to the scheme, according to Chancellor Rishi Sunak
Establishments then claim a reimbursement from the Government.
The public can find out which of their local establishments are taking part by using a postcode checker here.
The new scheme being rolled out today has faced criticism from northern politicians who say it is unhelpful in newly locked-down areas in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
The Ivy Restaurant in London, one of the participating restaurants where diners will be able to enjoy half-price meals, starting on Monday as the Government kick-starts its August scheme aimed at boosting restaurant and pub trade following the lockdown
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, described the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme as a mistake, saying the government should not be subsidizing meals out without releasing funds for low-paid workers to take time off to self-isolate.
Writing in the Sunday Mirror, he said: ‘National lockdown was eased too soon and encouraging people back to the pub on Super Saturday was a big mistake as is the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
‘We shouldn’t spend taxpayers’ money on subsidizing meals out but not support the low-paid to take time off work to protect their health.’
Chain restaurants participating in the Government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme
– Ask Italian
– Bill’s
– Burger King
– Byron
– Caffe Nero
– Costa Coffee
– Five Guys
– Franco Manca
– Fullers
– Gourmet Burger Kitchen
– Greene King
– Honest Burgers
– KFC
– McDonald’s
– Nando’s
– Patisserie Valerie
– Pizza Express
– Pizza Hut
– Pret A Manger
– Prezzo
– Starbucks
– Turtle Bay
– Wagamama
– Wetherspoon
– YO! Sushi
– Zizzi
