How does the Eat Out To Help Out scheme work – do you need a voucher?

People can get money off their food in August with Eat Out To Help Out (Picture: Rex Shutterstock)

Today is the day that Eat Out To Help Out launches in the UK – the Government-backed scheme to get people eating in cafes and restaurants following the coronavirus lockdown.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the scheme during his mini-Budget last month – saying that people could take advantage of discounts at participating restaurants, cafes and pubs that serve food throughout the month of August.

There are some conditions, however – and the discount only applies on certain days – so just how will Eat Out To Help Out work, and how can you get money off your meals?

Here’s what you need to know…

How does the Eat Out To Help Out scheme work?

The scheme will offer customers 50 per cent off the cost of a meal – up to a maximum of £10 – off per head when eating out at a participating venue from Mondays-Wednesdays in August,

In effect that means a family of four can save up to £40 on a meal out in a participating venue.

Mr Sunak explained last month: ‘Meals eaten at any participating business will be 50% off up to a maximum discount of £10 per head for everyone, including children. We can all eat out to help out.’

Anywhere that serves food can take part – including restaurants, cafes pubs and bars where applicable as well as work and school canteens and food halls.

There is no limit on the number of times diners can take advantage of the scheme – but it will only apply to adults and childrens’ meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

Do you need a voucher to take part in Eat Out To Help Out?

The scheme covers food and non-alcoholic drinks (Picture: PA)

You don’t need a voucher to take part in the scheme, as the discount will automatically be applied when you eat at a participating venues.

Many big chains, including Harvester, Nando’s, Frankie and Benny’s, Dishoom, Pizza Hut, Starbucks ,Toby Carvery, Hard Rock Cafe, Pizza Express and Wagamama are taking part in the scheme, along with other independent restaurants and cafes.

You can use the Government’s newly-launched website to find out your nearest participating venues.

The sceheme applies only to meals eaten in however – and does not include takeaways or delivery.

MORE: Fighting the unseen enemy: How do we help stop a second wave of Covid-19?

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