What The Eat Out To Help Out scheme means for both customers and owners
From August 3rd to August 31st government stimulus support for the hospitality industry will take effect in the UK. See below for what discounts it means for you a as customer and further below for the implications for cafe businesses.
Many businesses have struggled immensely during lockdown and face uncertain futures so any support in the way of custom greatly helps them get back on their feet.
As a customer for cafes and restaurants:
- At participating cafes and restaurants you, and any guests joining you, can receive 50% off the price of products up to a value of £10
- Uses are unlimited but are restricted to Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- On July 20th the platform for listing/ searching participating businesses will be announced.
- Offer applies to food and non-alcoholic drinks
As a business owner:
Products (e.g hot takeaway food and drinks and all products consumer on premise) that normally incur a 20% standard VAT payable will be reduced to 5% from 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021
Your eligible to apply for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme if and thus be reimbursed by the government if
- You sell food for immediate consumption on premise
- Provide or share a dining area for onsite consumption fo your products
- Were registered as a food business before July 7th 2020
Claims for reimbursement can be made from August 7th until September but in order to do so you'll need to keep and provide records of:
- Total number of customers who have used the scheme
- Total value of the scheme
- Total amount of discounts given
- Separated by premises if your business has multiple
The sun's out and small owner operated businesses are emerging from the cold. If you've ever fancied trying out new places or just looking forward to returning to your local then now is the time!
