Borders restaurants, pubs, cafes and other establishments that sell food for consumption on-premises are being urged to sign up to the UK Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme.
Businesses who use the scheme will offer a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat or drink-in throughout August.
The scheme is open to businesses across the UK and can be used all day, Monday to Wednesday in August.
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.
The scheme is aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and is in addition to the reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% for tourism and hospitality businesses.
Businesses who sign up to the scheme will receive a window sticker and will be able to use promotional items such as posters and logos for social media. Businesses can sign up to the scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/get-more-information-about-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme
John Lamont MP said: “The hospitality industry is one of the hardest hit industries from coronavirus. It supports a lot of jobs in the Borders in our hotels, restaurants and cafes.
“It was great to hear the Chancellor announce this new innovative scheme and I hope it will help to bring more customers on the traditionally quieter days.
“It would be really great to see lots of businesses across the Borders signing up for this scheme as it will help to attract more customers through their door as a result.
“Most food businesses cannot open to full capacity due to the current social distancing measures so I would encourage local residents and tourists to help them out during these difficult times.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP added: “This is a fantastic scheme introduced by the Conservative UK Government, as part of a wider package of measures to revitalise the economy.
“Cafes, restaurants and eateries have all been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As it becomes safer and easier to eat out, I would encourage Borderers to support local businesses.
“The scheme could not be easier, you don’t need a voucher as participating restaurants and cafes just remove the discount from your bill.
“I am glad the UK Government has been proactive in helping our businesses recover, which is more than can be said from the SNP Government in Scotland, whose plans are nowhere to be seen”.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP said: “Restaurants and other eligible establishments are now able to support jobs by signing up to 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.”
