Falkirk restaurants and eateries encouraged to sign up to HMRC 'meal ticket'

Restaurants and other establishments serving food for “on-premises consumption” can now sign up to the Eat Out to Help Out initiative – which aims to protect jobs in the hospitality and tempt people to safely return to dining out after months of social distancing is finally relaxed.

The Eat Out to Help Out registration page went live the www.gov.uk website today and restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments who use the scheme will offer a 50 per cent reduction – up to a maximum of £10 per person – to all diners who sit in their establishments and enjoy some food or drink throughout August.

An HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) spokesperson said: “Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill. Businesses simply 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.”

Businesses will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme and can download further promotional items from www.gov.uk as well.

The scheme is open to eligible establishments across the UK and can be used all day, Monday to Wednesday, between August 3 and August 31.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 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.”

HMRC chief executive Jim Harra added: “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 August 3. Businesses have made great efforts to re-open their sit-down services safely in line with social distancing guidance, so people can feel confident to dine out again.”

A searchable restaurant finder tool will be available to the public before the scheme launches. on 3 August.

The scheme can be used by diners who order food and soft drinks for consumption on the premises – unfortunately alcohol is excluded from the offer.

Visit www.gov.uk for more information.