The government website displaying cafés, pubs and restaurants taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme has now launched.
Members of the public can check which food outlets are part of the scheme, which is offering Brits 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the month of August this summer.
The scheme was announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak earlier this month to help support the hospitality industry as it reopens following closures due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.
Everyone in the UK, including children, will be able to use the discount at participating UK cafes, pubs and restaurants on every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the month of August 2020. The discount can be used an unlimited number of times, though takeaway orders or alcoholic drinks will not be included in the scheme.
The discount is 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a maximum discount of £10 per person. Businesses that are part of the scheme will be able to claim back the discounted money from the government within 5 working days.
However, ahead of the scheme starting next week, concerns have been raised about the government’s messaging.
On Monday, the UK Government unveiled a new obesity strategy, with evidence suggesting that those who are obese face a significantly higher risk from the COVID-19 Coronavirus. As part of measures announced on Monday, large restaurants, cafés and takeaway with more than 250 employees will have to add calorie labels to the food they sell under new laws.
One of the aims of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme was to get more people back to restaurants following lockdown – however, the messaging of the two campaigns conflict.
The government wants to help the economy recover from the severe impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, but it also wants to help people lose weight to protect them from the virus and to protect the NHS.
It would seem the message is Eat Out to Help Out – but don’t eat too much…
You can view participating cafés, pubs and restaurants taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme at tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant/
