Is Eat Out to Help Out running today on bank holiday Monday?
THE Eat Out to Help Out scheme is due to end this month - but can you use the 50 per cent discount on bank holiday Monday?
Here, we explain how the scheme works and what the rules are on Monday, August 31.
Will Eat Out to Help Out be available on August bank holiday Monday?
The Treasury says the expectation is for businesses currently signed up to the incentive to offer it on this year's August bank holiday, on Monday, August 31.
It is a boost for those who may have struggled to use the offer until now given it is not available on Thursdays, Fridays or weekends.
This means that diners who want to have a meal out will still be entitled to a 50 per cent discount if they eat at participating restaurants.
The only difference might be that some restaurants change their opening hours because of the bank holiday - or do not open at all - so just make sure you check beforehand.
What is Eat Out to Help Out?
The government scheme, which is designed to boost the ailing hospitality sector amid the coronavirus crisis, gives diners up to 50 per cent off meals up to £10 a head on Monday to Wednesday throughout August.
You can use the discount on meals and soft drinks but not on alcohol or takeaways.
It launched on August 3 and is due to run until August 31.
How does the Eat Out to Help Out scheme work?
THE government will cover half of the cost of a meal out, up to £10 per person, including children's meals.
The discount means that a meal out for one that costs £20 will be reduced to £10, but a £25 meal for one will be slashed to £15 because of the £10 cap per person.
There is no limit to the number of times you can use the discount, so in theory you can get half price meals on every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August.
Businesses will need to register with the scheme on Gov.uk before being able to offer the discount, as well as be Food Standards Agency approved.
Instead of issuing discount vouchers - which the government felt increased the risk of fraud - restaurants, cafes and pubs will be able to claim back the cash.
The refund will then been transferred into restaurants, cafes and pubs' bank accounts within five working days.
Which restaurants will offer Eat Out to Help Out on bank holiday Monday?
Examples of restaurants that have told The Sun they'll continue to run the offer on bank holiday Monday include Costa Coffee, McDonald's, Wetherspoons, and Mitchells and Butlers, which is the firm behind Harvester, Toby Carvery, and more.
But be warned that restaurants are free to deregister at any time - so it's worth checking before making a special trip.
Plus, many restaurants have been booked up in advance as diners look to make the most of the discount so bear in mind you may need to get your reservation in as soon as possible.
See the full list of chains taking part in the scheme.
The government has also launched a postcode checker to find participating restaurants near you.
Plus, there's an app so you can easily track down restaurants taking part in the offer while you're on the go.
more on food
