Isle of Wight restaurants can sign up to a new government scheme aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging us to eat out after the coronavirus lockdown.

The Eat Out to Help Out registration page went live this morning (Monday).

Scroll down for a link to sign up...

Last week, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments who use the scheme will offer a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in on certain days in August.

Customers do not need a voucher, as businesses will remove the discount from their bill. 

Businesses reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

The scheme is open to eligible establishments across the UK and can be used all day, every Monday to Wednesday, between 3 and 31 August 2020.

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

Among those welcoming the scheme is an Isle of Wight pub and restaurant owner.

Read more: "Eat out to help out" will revive hospitality industry — says Isle of Wight restaurant owner

"On your way to welcoming back your customers..."

Scroll down for a link to sign up...

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “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.”

Jim Harra, Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary of HMRC, said: “The hospitality industry is among the sectors worst affected by Covid-19. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme will deliver support to around 130,000 businesses, including restaurants, cafes and bars serving food and drink, helping to protect 1.8 million jobs across the UK.

“Registering is easy, and we urge businesses to sign up early so they are ready to use the scheme when it starts on 3 August.

“Businesses have made great efforts to re-open their sit-down services safely in line with social distancing guidance, so people can feel confident to dine out again."

Who can register?

You can register for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme if you:

  • sell food intended for consumption on the premises when purchased
  • provide a dining area for eat-in meals
  • have registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before 7 July.

How to register

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

The scheme can be used by diners who order food and/or drinks for consumption on the premises. Alcohol is excluded from the offer.

CLICK HERE for the link to register to take part.