Registration opens for Eat Out to Help Out scheme

The Eat Out to Help Out registration page is now live, allowing businesses to join the scheme announced last week by chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Restaurants bars, cafes and other establishments serving food for on premises consumption can now sign up to the new government initiative which will offer a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in throughout August.

Businesses can then reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HMRC. Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

The scheme can be used all day, every Monday to Wednesday, between 3 and 31 August 2020. Businesses will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme, can download promotional items from gov.uk, and will be included in a searchable restaurant finder tool that will be available to the public before the scheme launches.

Businesses must have registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before 7 July to take part.

Sunak said: "Restaurants and other eligible establishments are now able to support jobs by signing up to a place on the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

"HMRC's quick and easy registration page will soon have you on your way to welcoming back your customers with discounted dining on every Monday to Wednesday throughout August, with a simple process to reclaim these discounts back from the government each week."

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.

"Registering is easy, and we urge businesses to sign up early so they are ready to use the scheme when it starts on 3 August."

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