You can get 50% off your meal out on certain days in August - here’s how the offer works and who is eligible

Bills at restaurants and pubs will be cut half when customers eat out, as part of a new government scheme (Photo: Shutterstock)Bills at restaurants and pubs will be cut half when customers eat out, as part of a new government scheme (Photo: Shutterstock)
Bills at restaurants and pubs will be cut half when customers eat out, as part of a new government scheme (Photo: Shutterstock)

Bills at restaurants and pubs will be cut half when customers eat out, as part of a new government scheme.

The discount, named Eat Out to Help Out, aims to help boost the hospitality industry as lockdown restrictions are relaxed.

Customers who dine out on certain days in August will get a discount worth up to £10 per head. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Eat Out to Help Out scheme?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday 8 July that UK residents who dine out from Monday to Wednesday during August will get a discount worth up to £10 per head.

For example, a meal that costs £20 will be reduced to £10, and a meal for a family of four that comes to £80 will instead cost £40.

Mr Sunak announced that this is a scheme “that has never been tried in the UK before,” telling the Commons that the "moment is unique", alongside calling on policymakers to be "creative".

Mr Sunak said, "To get customers back into restaurants, cafes and pubs, and protect the 1.8 million people who work in them, I can announce today that, for the month of August, we will give everyone in the country an Eat Out to Help Out discount.

“Meals eaten at any participating business will be 50 per cent off up to a maximum discount of £10 per head for everyone, including children.”

The Chancellor notes that with this scheme, the UK can give its support to the hospitality industry, adding “we can all eat out to help out.’

Who is the discount available for?

The discount is available to everyone in the UK and includes children's meals. However, it will not apply to any alcohol that has been ordered to go with your food.

Where will the discount scheme apply?

Any hospitality business that serves meals can sign up to the scheme, including independently run eateries, alongside high street chains. The discount will only apply to meals eaten out, so you will still have to pay full price for your takeaway, even if you order it from a restaurant.

Businesses will need to register with the scheme before they are able to offer the discount and then claim back the money. They will be able to do so through a “simple website” that will open next Monday 13 July.

The refund will then be transferred into the bank accounts of registered restaurants, cafes and pubs within five working days.

When will I be able to get the discount?

Customers will be able to get money off the bill if they eat out on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday in August.

The scheme will not apply on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday or Sundays.

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