RESTAURANTS and other establishments serving food for on premises consumption can now sign up to a new government initiative aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.

Eat Out to Help Out allows businesses to join the scheme announced by chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak.

Restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments who use the scheme will offer a 50 per cent reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in throughout August.

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill.

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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 August 3 and August 31, 2020.

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

You can register for the scheme if your establishment sells food that is intended for consumption on the premises when purchased; provides its own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals; and had registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before July 7.

Register at GOV.UK