What is the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and which restaurants near me are participating?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme in his address to the House of Commons earlier this month.

As part of his summer statement, Mr Sunak announced the new programme which seeks to support the restaurant industry and their staff.

He stated: "To get customers back into restaurants, cafes and pubs, and protect the 1.8 million people who work in them, I can announce today that, for the month of August, we will give everyone in the country an Eat Out to Help Out discount."

Here's what we know about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme:

What is the Eat Out to Help Out scheme?

Mr Sunak's scheme offers diners 50 per cent off meals, with the discount capping at £10 per head.

The programme will include food and non-alcoholic drinks, and will apply to both adults and children.

Russell Nathan, senior partner at accountancy firm HW Fisher, said: “Our restaurants, pubs, shops and hotels are struggling.

“This is a timely announcement from Government as businesses are in desperate need of a clear action plan.

“It is vital we see the hospitality industry back up and running, and these measures announced today will provide an essential lifeline for many UK businesses.”

When does it come into place and how long will it last?

The scheme will run from August 3 to 31, with the discounts available all day on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

It has not been confirmed whether the scheme will extend past August or not.

Do restaurants need to register for the scheme?

In order to run the scheme, restaurants need to register with the government, which they can do from July 13 until August 31.

Those that are registered will be able to claim the money back from the government between August 7 and September 30, with reimbursements set to reach restaurants within five working days.

Only restaurants that offer dine-in service will be eligible to register. This means there will be no discounts available for takeaway-only restaurants, mobile food vans or private catering services.

Chain restaurants with more than 25 locations will not need to register them individually, but can do so in one application.

Is there a limit to how many discounts you can get?

There is no limit on how many times members of the public can get a discounted meal within the time restrictions provided, as long as they are visiting a restaurant that has registered for the scheme.

This means you can get a 50 per cent (or £10 off) discount on meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner across any or all of the 13 days specified throughout August.

If a diner at the table is not eating, however, you cannot apply a discount for them. For example, if four guests are sat together at a table but only two order food and drink, you can only apply two up-to-£10 discounts, not four.

Which restaurants near me are participating?

The Government has launched a new Eat Out to Help Out postcode checker to help people find restaurants that are taking part in the scheme.

People can find places nearby offering discounted dining by entering their postcode, with the webpage then bringing up a list of participating businesses.

The postcode checker is available to use here.

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