‘Eat out to help out’ scheme launched by UK govt provides much-needed boost for restaurants: Here’s all you need to know

Team Udayavani, Aug 27, 2020, 4:01 PM IST

The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme was launched by UK government to support hospitality businesses as they reopen after the Covid-19 lockdown in the country.

The scheme gives diners up to 50% off their bill and is valid from Monday to Wednesday from 3 to 31 August. But, some restaurants say they will continue to offer the Eat Out to Help Out scheme in September.  It is said that 84,000 restaurants signed up to the scheme, with 64 million discounted meals served in the first three weeks alone

According to Chronicle live , the scheme is the brainchild of Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak. He said, “This scheme has reminded us how much we love to dine out, and in doing so, how this is helping to protect the jobs of nearly two million people who work in hospitality. I am urging everyone, where they can, to continue to safely enjoy a meal while the scheme remains open.”

Also, there is no limit on number of times the customers can avail the offer and no minimum spend Food and drink will appear on the menu at full price, but the restaurant will take the money off the bill before claiming it back from the government. However, It does not apply to takeaways, alcoholic drinks and tobacco products

According to BBC’s report, Establishments can choose whether to sign up, and can join the scheme at any point. They need to register online and will be able to claim the money back and have it refunded within five working days.

To be eligible they must have a designated dining or drinking area, or access to one. They must have been registered with their local authority since at least 7 July 2020.

Customers can search for participating restaurants near them by going on to the government website, where there is an option to put in their postcode and find restaurants within a five-mile radius.

The report also states that in April, 80% of venues closed, and 1.4 million hospitality workers have been placed on furlough at some point since then. The whole point of the scheme is to encourage a return to dining in restaurants.