Here's how businesses can sign up for the Government's new Eat Out to Help Out scheme

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced as part of his summer statement last week that people eating out between Monday and Wednesday during August would be able to get a 50 per cent reduction, up to £10 each, off the price of their meal, with participating businesses claiming the money back from the Government.

The Eat Out to Help Out registration page went live today – Monday, July 13 – on the Government website GOV.UK, allowing businesses to join the scheme.

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will remove the discount from their bill, then reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Businesses will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme and can download promotional items from GOV.UK.

The Chancellor added: “Restaurants and other eligible establishments are now able to support jobs by signing up to a place on 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.”

Who can register?

You can register if your establishment:

*Sells food that is intended for consumption on the premises when purchased

*Provides its own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals

*Has registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before July 7.

How to register:

Businesses can register to be part of the scheme online at GOV.UK. To find out how, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

A searchable restaurant finder tool will be available to the public before the scheme launches on Monday, August 3.

The scheme can be used for food and/or drinks for consumption on the premises. Alcohol is excluded.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

If you can, please do pick up a copy when you are at the shops.

Thank you for your support.