The Eat Out to Help Out scheme

The government recently announced the Eat Out Help Out scheme to encourage people to support the hospitality industry. Here’s a summary of the scheme.

When does the scheme start?

The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme opens on 3 August 2020.

How long will the scheme last?

The scheme will run from the 3rd to the 31st of August.

How does the scheme work?

The scheme will give a discount of up to 50% when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
Valid Monday to Wednesday the maximum discount will be £10 per person when eating or drinking in.
There is no minimum spend and you can use the scheme as often as you like and all diners in a group of any size can use the discount.
The scheme can also be used in conjunction with any other offers available at the venue.
The discount will be automatically available to you at participating establishments and they will claim reimbursement from the government for the discount they’ve given you.

What is not included?

You won’t be able to claim discount on alcoholic drinks, service charges or tips.

Catering services, takeaways, B&Bs and mobile food vans are not included in the scheme

Where can I use the Scheme?

You will be able to use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme at participating establishments which may include:

restaurants, cafés, bars or pubs
work and school canteens
food halls

You will be able to find a participating restaurant this week on the government website

You’ll get results within a 2 mile radius of the postcode you use although some restaurants may not have registered for the scheme yet.

If you’re in an area under local lockdown

You should follow local guidelines if you’re in an area under local lockdown. Local restaurants may still appear in the results when you use the restaurant finder tool, but will not be open.

Protect yourself from scams

Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic and unthreatening. Don’t give out private information or reply to text messages, and don’t download attachments in emails you weren’t expecting. Search ‘scams’ on GOV‌.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.