Over 72,000 restaurants across the UK have already registered for the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme which has started today (3rd of August) and will finish on the 31st of August 2020.
Government guidance notes dictate that the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme can be used:
- all day, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3rd to 31 August 2020
- to offer a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner)
- to claim the money back from the government
Customers should know that:
- There is no limit to the number of times they can use the offer during the period of the scheme.
- There is no minimum spend to qualify for the discount.
- They do not need vouchers to claim the discount and they can use it at the same time as other offers and discounts.
- They cannot get a discount for someone who is not eating or drinking.
- They should note that alcohol and service charges are excluded from the offer.
3 Eat Out to Help Out Scheme Myths Busted:
MYTH 1: “The scheme is only for big chains and franchises”
That is absolutely false. The government encourages participation to all establishments that:
- sell food for immediate consumption on the premises
- provide their own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals
- were registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before 7 July
(If you’re still unsure about your eligibility to register click here).
MYTH 2: “You have to produce itemised bills”
That is also false. However, you SHOULD include the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme name on the bill when you offer the discount and for each day you’re using the scheme you MUST keep records of the following per establishment:
- total number of people who have used the scheme in your establishment
- total value of transactions under the scheme
- total amount of discounts you’ve given
MYTH 3: “It’s to late to register”
This is false. You can register for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme until the 31st of August. Once registered you will have to wait 7 days before you will be able to make your first claim (the service to claim reimbursements will be available from the 7th of August 2020 and will close on the 30th of September 2020). You will be able submit claims on a weekly basis which will be payed by the HMRC within 5 working days.
