Coronavirus: How can I use the 'eat out to help out scheme'?

Image copyright Getty Images

Diners will soon be able to get money off their bill on certain days in August to encourage a return to cafes, pubs and restaurants.

It's hoped the ''eat out to help out'' scheme will provide a boost to the struggling hospitality industry, now that the national lockdown is easing.

But the scheme, which has been launched alongside the government's healthy eating strategy, has faced criticism from some anti-obesity campaigners.

How does the scheme work?

The promotion gives people a discount of up to 50% when eating or drinking soft drinks in a participating restaurant or other food establishment.

It is valid all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 31 August, in all parts of the UK that are not in a local lockdown.

The maximum discount available is £10 per person when you eat or drink in.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Restaurants have started to reopen again

Food and drink will appear on the menu at full price, and the restaurant will deduct the money off the bill and claim it back from the government.

How do I get the discount?

The discount is only available on food and drink that you intend to consume on the premises, and can be used as many times as you like.

There is no limit on how many people can use the discount in one party, and it includes children.

Participating venues are supposed to offer the full 50% discount all day Monday to Wednesday and across the whole food and soft drink menu.

There's no minimum spend and you don't have to order food to be eligible, for example a £3 coffee would cost £1.50 under the scheme.

The offer can be used in combination with any other promotions and discounts being offered by the venue.

Which food and drink places are taking part?

More than 53,000 businesses have signed up to the promotion, which covers participating:

Restaurants (including those in hotels leisure centres and holiday parks) Cafes Bars and pubs that serve food Canteens Food halls with a seating area Members' clubs Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced the scheme to help get pubs and restaurants back on their feet

Lots of local, independent pubs restaurants and cafes are taking part, as well as big chains.

Establishments can choose whether to sign up, and can join the scheme at any point. They need to register online and will be able to claim the money back and have it refunded within five working days,

To be eligible they must have a designated dining or drinking area, or access to one, and have been registered with their local authority since at least 7 July 2020. Businesses that have used the furlough scheme can apply.

A search tool allows people to search for participating local venues within a five-mile radius.

This may not pick up chain restaurants taking part in the scheme, a list of which can be found here. They include:

Ask Italian Benugo Bill's Burger King Caffe Nero Costa Coffee Cote Brasserie Five Guys Franco Manca Giggling Squid Honest Burgers KFC M&S Cafe McDonald's Pizza Express Prezzo Pret a Manger Starbucks Subway Turtle Bay Wagamama JD Wetherspoon Zizzi

What is not included?

The discount cannot be used on alcoholic drinks, service charges or food for a private function or event.

As the idea is to encourage people to eat in, establishments that are takeaway-only are not eligible.

Neither are catering services, bed and breakfasts or mobile food vans.

Businesses must have the facilities for people to dine in to take part, so venues offering informal seating in an area that does not belong to them are not included.

Why is 'eat out to help out' being introduced?

To help get struggling cafes, restaurants and pubs back on their feet.

Hospitality is one of the biggest employers in the UK and has been hit especially hard by the lockdown measures. In April 80% of venues closed, and 1.4 million hospitality workers have been placed on furlough, the highest proportion of any sector.

Some venues have been able to provide a takeaway service during lockdown. But this often means lower average spending per head and fewer people employed, and it is not an option for some businesses.

In August, when many premises will have reopened, the government hopes diners will be enticed in by the discount on offer. It also wants it to boost confidence in going out, and increase footfall at the quieter end of the week.

A recent survey suggested that many Britons felt uncomfortable about eating at a restaurant. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said just over two-in-10 adults were happy to have a sit-down meal.

The scheme is being used alongside other targeted help such as a cut in VAT for hospitality and tourism businesses.

Why has the scheme been criticised?

Several fast-food chains are taking part in the scheme, which has drawn criticism from some anti-obesity campaigners. The National Obesity Forum, for example, has said it would be a ''green light to promote junk food''.

The discount scheme sits alongside the government's healthy eating plan that bans "buy one get one free" deals on unhealthy food, amid growing evidence of a link between obesity and an increased risk from coronavirus.

When asked if the government was promoting mixed messages, Care Minister Helen Whately told LBC Radio that under the healthy eating plans, large chain restaurants will have to publish calorie breakdowns of their meals, helping diners to make an ''informed choice''.