Restaurants and other establishments serving food for on-premises consumption can now sign up to a new government initiative aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.

The Eat Out to Help Out registration service went live this morning on GOV.UK, allowing businesses to join the scheme announced last week by Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Find out how to register for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

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.

No Vouchers Needed

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill. Businesses simply reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 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 3 and 31 August 2020. Rishi Sunak said ‘Restaurants and other eligible establishments are now able to support jobs by signing up to the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.”

The hospitality industry is among the sectors worst affected by COVID-19. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme has been designed to deliver support to more than 100,000 businesses, including restaurants, cafes and bars serving food and drink, helping to protect 1.8 million jobs across the UK. Many establishments have already made great efforts to re-open their sit-down services safely in line with social distancing guidance, so people can feel confident to dine out again.

Businesses can find information about the scheme and how to register online at GOV.UK.