‘Eat out to help out’ – How does it work and which restaurants are included?

What is the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme?

‘Eat out to help out’ is a scheme introduced by chancellor Rishi Sunak, aimed at stimulating the struggling hospitality industry. The scheme enables diners to receive up to 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout August 2020.

How does the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme work?

The ‘eat out to help out’ discount is available at all participating, pubs, cafes and restaurants and enables diners to receive up to 50% off of their food and drink bill. Discounts are only applied to food and non-alcoholic drinks, meaning you cannot receive discounts on any alcohol or service charges.

The maximum discount that can be applied is 50% up to a maximum of £10 per person, so for example, if two people spent £50 on food and non-alcoholic drinks, the maximum discount that would be applied is £20 (which actually equates to 40%).

The scheme runs throughout August 2020, however it only applies on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Do I need to download or print off a voucher?

No, so long as you eat at a participating pub, cafe or restaurant on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday in August 2020 the discount will be automatically applied. Businesses will have to claim the money back from the government and in most cases, should have the money in their bank account within 5 working days.

How to find out which restaurants are taking part in the 'eat out to help out' scheme

The government has provided a postcode checking tool that should display all of the participating restaurants in your area. The list is being added to every day, if your favourite restaurant isn’t listed, it may be worth giving them a call just to double-check.

The government has also provided a list of the bigger restaurant and pub chains that are taking part. It is worth noting that some chain restaurants may be listed under their parent company, so while Toby Carvery isn’t listed, its parent company Mitchells & Butlers is. If you are in any doubt, just give your chosen restaurant a call and ask.

What is not included in the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme?

• Food or drink consumed on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday
• Alcohol or Tobacco products
• Food consumed off the premises
• Food or drink bought as part of a private function/party
• Discount cannot be applied to service charges

'Eat out to help out' scheme summary:

Below are the key points to remember:

• Only available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August 2020
• Discount only available on food and non-alcoholic drinks (Alcohol not included)
• Only available on food consumed on the premises (not available on take-away food)
• 50% discount up to a maximum of £10 per person
• Discount applied straightaway, no vouchers necessary (The restaurant claims the money back from the government)
• Example: If two people spend £50 - maximum discount is £20 (£10 per person)

Lastly, restaurants are likely to be busy and so it would be sensible to call ahead and book wherever possible.