Eat Out to Help Out launches with 72,000 sites signed up

The government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme officially launches today (3 August) with over 72,000 establishments signed up.

Anyone visiting a participating restaurant, café or pub on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August will receive the half price discount.

The scheme – part of the government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ that aims to spur the country’s economic recovery from coronavirus – applies to all food and non-alcoholic drinks, with a maximum discount per person of £10 with the government footing the difference.

More than 72,000 establishments are participating, including established operators such as Pizza Express, Costa Coffee and Nando’s.

The government has also launched an online finder tool which shows what businesses are participating in local areas, and has already seen around 3.3 million searches.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Our Eat Out to Help Out scheme’s number one aim is to help protect the jobs of 1.8 million chefs, waiters and restaurateurs by boosting demand and getting customers through the door.

“More than 72,000 establishments will be serving discounted meals across the country, with the government paying half the bill. The industry is a vital ingredient to our economy and it’s been hit hard by coronavirus, so enjoy summer safely by showing your favourite places your support – we’ll pay half.”