Government to offer 50% off eating out, up to value of £10 per person

Photo: Nitr - stock.adobe.com

The ‘eat out to help out’ discount can be used Mondays - Wednesdays in August

An ‘eat out to help out’ discount scheme will be launched across the UK next month, offering a 50% discount – up to £10 per person – on meals.

In an economic statement to Parliament on Wednesday (8 July), Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the scheme would run each week between Monday and Wednesdays until the end of August at participating businesses, which will be able to claim back the discount offered from the government.

The discount will apply to sit-down meals and non-alcoholic drinks, and there isn’t a limit on how many times it can be used. The ‘eat out to help out’ discount can be used in conjunction with existing vouchers, applied after other discounts.

Mr Sunak will also cut VAT from 20% to 5% for hospitality and tourism - including pubs, restaurants, cafes and cinemas - effective from 15 July to 12 January 2021. The VAT cut will not apply to alcoholic drinks.

Speaking about the impact for the North West, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We have set out our plan to protect, create and support jobs across the North West - levelling up opportunity as we safely reopen our economy.

“With VAT cuts for the hospitality and tourism sector and our eat out to help out scheme, we’re protecting 236,000 existing hospitality jobs in the North West.”

Responding, Paul Ambrose, of the Rochdale BID, said: "Rochdale town centre has an exciting and evolving food and drink scene that is cementing its reputation across Greater Manchester and beyond as a must visit destination.

"Today’s announcements will come as a welcome boost to the town centre's fantastic food and drink venues as they encourage people and customers to get back into their venues."