Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Starting this past August 3rd, the Government’s new Eat Out to Help Out Scheme has been in effect and has seen an estimated 10.5 million meals claimed in the first week. This scheme offers diners a 50% discount on their bill on certain days in August. This was done as a way to encourage citizens to return to cafés, pubs, and even restaurants. It was also seen as a bold move to stimulate the economy due to the COVID pandemic.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who unveiled this bold program, sought to support the industry and its staff. Due to the uniqueness of the pandemic, Mr. Sunak felt that it was essential to be creative in help restaurants that are struggling due to the economic downturn with the Coronavirus.
There are, however, limitations. These include:
- Only available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
- Useable at participating establishments only.
- 50% discount ton food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (There is a maximum of 10 pounds per diner).
- Use the scheme as many times as you like.
What are some participating establishments? Use this postcode checker here to find a restaurant near you who is participating in this scheme. Approximately 83,068 establishments have signed up, so you’re more than likely going to find a fantastic place to dine-in.
- Restaurants, cafés, bars, or pubs.
- Work and school canteens.
- Food halls.
Keep in mind you still need to follow any local guidelines in your area in case it’s still under lockdown. If you are a restaurant, you’ll need to register for the scheme. You can do this through August 31. Only those restaurants that offer dine-in service are eligible to register. This means no mobile food trucks, take-away only, or private catering services can take advantage of this offer.
While this scheme is a great boon for the consumer and the industry, many feel that this would’ve been better offer during the slower and colder months of October or November, as this is when some businesses slow down. Since the current summer season is going strong, many companies are already seeing their customers return before the scheme started. Though this will most certainly see an increase in dine-in businesses for August, many may be apprehensive due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With large gatherings of people comes a higher chance of getting COVID-19.
Still, even within a pandemic, many are flocking to restaurants to take advantage of their discounts. While many wish this were taking place later in the year, getting out and about can make for an increase in moral for consumers and even a sense of financial relief for business owners.
Whether you prefer the discount now or later, people are eating out in more significant numbers due to this discount and great weather. Do your best to stay healthy by following any COVID-19 guidelines and enjoy the best that the UK has to offer in dining.