The Eat out to Help Out scheme is a Government led initiative to entice people to eat out at restaurants, pubs and cafes, to help boost the UK hospitality industry following the coronavirus outbreak.
THE industry has been hit hard with many struggling to survive with the continued uncertainty and threat of regional lockdowns.
CGA Coffer Peach Business Tracker figures for the week beginning 20 July 2020 show consumer confidence was edging up week on week following the easing of lockdown in England.
Overall, total sales across the managed pub, bar and restaurant market were up 36.8% on the previous week’s trading, helped in part by Scotland reopening. In all, 68% of group-operated sites were open for eating and drinking inside, up from 60% the week before.
But, just as the initiative was about to kick in on 1 August 2020 (also Yorkshire Day), the Government plunged the North West (Greater Manchester and Lancashire) and parts of West Yorkshire into regional lockdown at short notice – announced by tweet at 9pm whilst coming into effect at Midnight.
Many restaurants, pubs and café’s saw a wave of cancellations as people could no longer dine out with extended family members or friends.
The move, following a spike in Covid-19 cases, added “more uncertainty” for British domestic tourism, said Global Data.
“The latest government announcement may cause prospective travellers to cross even staycations off their to-do list this year. A significant reduction in domestic tourism over the summer months could be a critical blow to many companies. Hotels, restaurants, pubs/bars and attractions have already had to survive months with little or no business. Any further financial strain could see some companies closing permanently,” said Global Data travel & tourism analyst Ben Cordwell.
A Global Data survey found 82% of Brits are extremely or quite concerned about COVID-19, while 49% are extremely or quite concerned about restrictions on domestic travel.
“The latest restrictions, which affect around four million people, do little to ease COVID-19 anxiety – something that could have a knock-on impact on the number of holidaymakers willing to travel around the country for leisure purposes,” said Cordwell.
The survey found half of the respondents (52%) believe the coronavirus situation will get worse over the next month.
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
What’s the deal?
From 1 Aug to 31 Aug 2020, Eat Out to Help Out offers customers 50 percent off their meal at participating restaurants, pubs, and cafes. The discount is available from Monday to Wednesday and includes children and groups of any size.
Do I need a voucher?
No, you don’t need a voucher. The discount will automatically be applied to restaurants and pubs that have signed up to the scheme. When it comes to restaurants and pub chains with multiple locations, make sure to check if your particular branch is signed up beforehand, as some popular chains are franchised businesses so not all branches are participating. You can use the Eat Out to Help Out discount at the same time as other discounts and vouchers.
What is the minimum spend, and Is there a maximum number of times I can use the scheme?
The Eat Out to Help Out discount is capped at £10 per person and does not apply to alcohol. There is no minimum spend to get the discount and there is no limit to the number of times you can use it.
What restaurants are included?
More than 72,000 restaurants in the UK have signed up to the scheme, according to Sunak. The discount applies to any participating eatery where food and drink is consumed immediately on the premises, meaning takeaways are not included. Popular chains are included although we strongly recommend visiting local and independent restaurants, pubs, and cafes.
To find out which local eateries near you are taking part, you can enter your postcode here for a full list. Many cafes and restaurants will also have the official Eat Out scheme poster in their windows.
