Eat Out to Help Out Scheme

The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme is one of the Government's economic recovery measures to support businesses reopening following the COVID-19 lockdown. The Scheme aims to help protect jobs in the hospitality sector by encouraging consumers to eat out. Questions have been raised about whether the Scheme was introduced before it was clear whether consumer demand was a factor limiting business recovery. What is the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme? The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme (EOHO Scheme) is one of the Governmentseconomic recovery measures aimed to supportbusinesses reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown period.

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UK Parliament researchUK Parliament research
URL: 
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8978/https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8978/
Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 6, 2020
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In India, COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, Government of the United Kingdom's financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
Key Points: 


The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme is one of the Government's economic recovery measures to support businesses reopening following the COVID-19 lockdown. The Scheme aims to help protect jobs in the hospitality sector by encouraging consumers to eat out. Questions have been raised about whether the Scheme was introduced before it was clear whether consumer demand was a factor limiting business recovery.

What is the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme?

    • The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme (EOHO Scheme) is one of the Governmentseconomic recovery measures aimed to supportbusinesses reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown period.
    • It formed part of the Chancellors summer economic update on 8 July 2020 (thePlan for Jobs).
    • The Scheme aims to protect jobs in the hospitality sector by encouraging consumers to return to eating out.
    • Under theEat Out to Help Out Schemethe Government will provide 50% off the cost of food and/or non-alcoholic drinks eaten-in at participating businesses UK-wide.

How does the Scheme work?

    • The system will open to claims from 7 August and business must have been registered for one week before submitting a claim.
    • Eligible businesses are those registered with their local authority as a food business on or before 7 July 2020.
    • Further information and FAQs are available in the Governments guidance for businesses:Get more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, 9 July 2020.
    • The legal conditions for the Scheme are set out in aTreasury Directionmade on 7 July 2020

Which businesses are participating?


    HMRC reported that as of 2 August, 73,089 individual restaurant premises had registered for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The Government’s online restaurant finder shows businesses registered within 5 miles of any postcode entered. A list of larger chain businesses participating has also been published. 

How much will it cost?


    The Treasury estimated alongside the summer economic update that the Scheme would cost £500 million. However, the final figure will depend on take up of the scheme and could be higher or lower.

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