Eat Out to Help Out: how does the new scheme work?

The scheme includes a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages from Monday to Wednesday throughout August 2020.

What is this new eat out scheme? Who is eligible to benefit? What does this mean for you as a food business?

Here are the answers to all those questions, and more.

What is the Eat Out to Help Out scheme?

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been set up as a response by the UK government to kick start re-opening the food and beverage sector. Customers can now get a 50% discount on any eat-in meals (including non-alcoholic drinks) up to £10 per head.

Who is this for?

This eat out scheme is for businesses in the hospitality sector. The current crisis has hit the hospitality sector the hardest, with a drop in revenue of up to 80%, affecting approximately 8% of the UK’s workforce. Eat out spending in May 2020 was down by 65% compared to the same time last year.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

If your business serves food and/or non-alcoholic beverages, then you are eligible.

How does the scheme work?

• 50% discount for customers

Customers will receive a 50% discount on any eat-in meals (including non-alcoholic drinks) up to £10 per head. Discounts are available from Mondays to Wednesdays throughout the month of August, starting from the 3rd.

The discount includes children’s meals, saving a family of four up to £40.

• Unlimited use

Each customer can enjoy up to a £10 discount per visit. However, customers can use the eat out scheme as much as they like during this four week time period and still benefit from the discount. In other words, people can enjoy three days in a row of half-price meals, if they wish.

• Refunding businesses

Participating businesses will be refunded in full for the 50% discount.

How do I sign-up to Eat Out to Help Out?

You can register on the government’s website from Monday 15th July.
Details on how to sign-up will be published by the government on Saturday 13th July.

Important note: You MUST register your business BEFORE 1st August to participate in the scheme.

When does the discount apply?

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme discount applies for the entire month of August 2020 and applies to Mondays to Wednesdays only.

How quickly can I get the money back?

The government advises that when your business claims back the voucher discounts to HMRC, refunds will be issued within five working days.

How can I take orders easily and apply the discount?

At the start of lockdown, Pomelo Pay set out to help businesses with a free online ordering tool. Now we are working hard to extend the functionality so you can process, claim and account for the Eat Out to Help Out discount.