LONDON: Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that all Brits will receive a discount of up to £10 per head in a huge new scheme designed to help out the hospitality industry. Following four months of closures across the entire country, restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes have taken a huge hit financially with legislations in place meaning their doors were to remain closed until lockdown restrictions were lifted. Some were creative with the closures, operating takeaway services and providing home delivery with partners such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo, however, those without the capabilities to do so were forced to put workers on the furlough scheme and go without custom for an extended period of time.
The ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme is set to be a UK first, and will allow people to claim the discount as many times as they’d like throughout the month of August. While it almost sounds too good to be true, it actually isn’t, and is a scheme put in place to encourage members of the public to return to pubs, bars and restaurants again.
Rishi Sunak also announced a huge slash in VAT, reducing it from 20% to 5% until January 12, 2021. The reduction will be valid on food (including non-alcoholic drinks), accommodation and attractions – and will help the sector get back on their feet following the pandemic.
“Meals eaten at any participating business, Monday to Wednesday, will be 50% off, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head for everyone, including children. Businesses will need to register, and can do so through a simple website, open next Monday.
“Each week in August, businesses can then claim the money back, with the funds in their bank account within five working days.”
Adding about the VAT reduction: “This is a £4 billion catalyst for the hospitality and tourism sectors, benefiting over 150,000 businesses, and consumers everywhere, all helping to protect 2.4 million jobs.”
