RESTAURANTS serving food for on-premises consumption can now sign up to a new government initiative aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.

The Eat Out to Help Out registration page went live this morning on GOV.UK, allowing businesses to join the scheme announced last week by Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments who use the scheme will offer a 50 per cent reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in throughout August.

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill.

Businesses simply reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

The scheme is open to eligible establishments across the UK and can be used all day, every Monday to Wednesday, between August 3 and 31.

Businesses will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme and can download promotional items from GOV.UK.

Jim Harra, Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary of HMRC, said: “The hospitality industry is among the sectors worst affected by COVID-19. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme will deliver support to around 130,000 businesses, including restaurants, cafes and bars serving food and drink, helping to protect 1.8 million jobs across the UK.

“Businesses have made great efforts to re-open their sit-down services safely in line with social distancing guidance, so people can feel confident to dine out again.”

So...who can register?

Any business that -

• sells food intended for consumption on the premises when purchased

• provides its own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals

• has registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before July 7

How to register:

Businesses can register to be part of the scheme online at GOV.UK.

The public can then search online and find restaurants and eateries signed up the scheme.

The scheme can be used by diners who order food and/or drinks for consumption on the premises. Alcohol is excluded from the offer.

Further information can be found via GOV.UK.