Stern lockdowns imposed in the UK following the COVID-19 pandemic has severely dented the region’s restaurant industry. However, despite easing several lockdown restrictions lately, consumers in the UK are seen hesitant about reaching out to their favorite restaurant in fear of being infected by the deadly virus.

In a bid to give a push to restaurant and pub businesses in the region, the Government of UK has initiated the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme under which diners can avail a 50% discount on desired meals across over 72,000 venues.

According to sources close to the matter, the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme applies to eat-in food and drink and would be valid throughout August 2020. It would include discount capped at £10 per person, but will not be applicable on alcohol and takeaways.

The scheme is designed to encourage people to visit cafes, restaurants, and pubs, which have been severely hit by COVID-19 lockdown. As a matter a fact, reports claim that nearly 80% of hospitality firms stopped trading in April, a move the affected around 1.4 million workers nationwide.

Many hospitality businesses that have reopened recently meanwhile are forced to lower customer capacity to comply with social distancing norms.

Signifying the scheme’s importance, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that the eat out to help out program aims to help protect jobs of nearly 1.8 million waiters, chefs and restaurateurs with an intent to boost demand and drive back customers.

Source claim that the offer can be availed without the need for any vouchers, with participating businesses deducting 50% from the bill and recovering the discounted amount from the Treasury. Customers can also enjoy no minimum order policy and can use the discount multiple times on eligible days.

Source Credit: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53631611