COVID-19 : Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Today the Government has published guidance on the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ Scheme and how businesses are able to apply.
Key details of the scheme
- The scheme will run from 3 to 31 August 2020 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- It is a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person
- It applies to food or non-alcoholic drinks to be consumed on the premises
- Alcohol and service charges are excluded from the offer
- There is no limit to the number of times customers can use the offer during the period of the scheme
The offer applies individually to all members of a group who are eating or drinking together – so it can’t be applied where a person in the group is not eating (ie., if a couple have a baby, they can only a get a maximum of £20 discount on their meal).
Eligible establishments are those in which food is sold for immediate on-premises consumption. This includes:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Public houses that serve food
- Hotel restaurants
- Restaurants and cafes within tourist attractions, holiday sites and leisure facilities
- Dining rooms within members’ clubs
- Workplace and school canteens
To claim the discount from the Government, you must register. Registrations will open on 13 July and close on 31 August.
You cannot register if your establishment:
- Only offers takeaway food or drink
- Provides catering services for private functions
- Is an accommodation business that provides room service only
- Dining services (such as packaged dinner cruises)
- Mobile food vans or trailers
The registration will be instantaneous with businesses receiving a reference number to use to claim reimbursement from the Government. They will also receive downloadable promotional materials to use to let your customers know they are part of the scheme.