You’re reading our series Summer’s Not Cancelled, where we celebrate summer in this new normal. From rediscovering nature and cherishing time with friends and family, to virtual festivals and unforgettable staycations – summer’s still here, it’s just different.
People are able to get 50% off meals when dining out in August as part of a government push to get the economy moving again.
Chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced that for the month of August, everyone in England will be entitled to an ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ discount – to get customers back into restaurants, cafés and pubs, and protect the 1.8 million people who work in them.
“Meals eaten at any participating business, Monday to Wednesday, will be 50% off up to a maximum discount of £10 per head, for everyone – including children,” he said in a statement.
So, what do you need to do to benefit from the discount? Well, very little actually. Here’s a quick guide to how ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ works.
How does the scheme work?
It’s up to businesses to register for the scheme to encourage customers to visit.
From August 3, businesses can offer customers half price discounts from Monday to Wednesday, and claim the money back from the government – with the funds in their accounts within five working days.
The discount is redeemable on sit-down meals and non-alcoholic drinks and the maximum discount per customer is £10. The scheme will end on August 31.
Customers don’t need any vouchers to take part, and the half price discount can be used at the same time as other offers and discounts, the government said. People won’t be able to take advantage of the scheme if they live in an area under local lockdown.
Will all restaurants take part?
Participating places include: restaurants, cafés, bars or pubs; work and school canteens; and food halls.
Thousands of restaurants have already signed up to the scheme, including chains such as Ask Italian, Bill’s, Burger King, Five Guys, Franco Manca, M&S Cafe, McDonalds, Nando’s, Pho, Pizza Express, Prezzo, Wagamama, Wetherspoons and YO Sushi.
People can also search for local restaurants and pubs taking part in the scheme within a 2-mile radius of their postcode on the gov.uk website.
“1.8m people work in this industry, they need our support – and with this measure we can all eat out to help out,” said Sunak, when he announced the scheme in July.