As part of the UK government’s bid to pump life back into the hospitality industry, chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the ‘Eat Out To Help Out Scheme’. During the scheme the general public can receive 50% discounts on food and non-alcoholic drinks at participating restaurants Monday-Wednesday in a bid to boost the hospitality industry. But, what are the benefits for restaurants, how do you register and are there any drawbacks. We’re taking a look.
What Are The Benefits Of Eat Out To Help Out For Restaurants?
The Eat Out To Help Out Scheme will offer a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in throughout. Quite the result for diners. But, what are the benefits for restaurants?We all know that offering discounts helps to get diners through the door, but, that discount seldom comes funded by the government. Yes, you read that right. The Eat Out To Help Out Scheme will be fully funded by the government, meaning restaurant’s don’t lose a penny of their takings when offering the 50% discount.
By offering a 50% discount on food Monday-Wednesday, the UK government hope to boost footfall at restaurants, cafes and pubs across the country, thereby providing a much-needed boost to the hospitality industry and the economy. In turn, this will prevent job losses and closures in one of the hardest hit industries during lockdown.
During the scheme participating businesses will receive free promotional materials, such as window stickers and social media banners to notify diners of their part in the scheme. Plus, the government are looking to compile a searchable restaurant finder tool before the scheme launches on 3 August to promote all participating venues.
The benefits for restaurants don’t just stop in August though. By being featured on the government’s scheme, restaurants are being given an unrivalled opportunity to receive free marketing and offers, thus increasing potential diners for no fee. Then, by showcasing well-organised safety measures and delicious food when diners are through the doors in August restaurants can show diners that they are more than ready to welcome them back and secure return visits from customers long after the scheme has finished.
It’s clear that the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme is overflowing with benefits for both restaurants and diners: the hospitality industry gets a much-needed boost while the general public gets some delicious food at a great value price after months of lockdown. Win-win. But, how do restaurants sign up for the scheme?
How does the scheme work?
First things first, restaurants need to sign up the scheme. Simply head to the gov.uk website to register for the government scheme.
Following registration you’ll have access to an array of promotional matierals, includuing widow stickers, posters and social media banners, all so you c an publicise your involvement in the scheme. You’ll also be added to the government’s searchable restaurant finder tool before the scheme launches on 3 August and we will also promote participating venues on www.sugarvine.com.
Once you’re registered there’s no need to mess about with customer discount codes or vouchers, the 50% can automatically be added by restaurants Monday-Friday on all food orders. When the scheme is up and running businesses will need to simply reclaim the discounted amount through an online service. Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid direct into bank accounts within five working days.
Sound too good to be true?
Are there any drawback to the scheme?
As many have noted, the Eat Out To Help Out scheme sadly provides little relief for struggling bars and pubs that don’t serve food. However, we are hopeful that by enticing diners into restaurants the scheme will have a secondary effect of encouraging consumers to make a night of it and pop into their local pub for a drink before or after their meal.
With any scheme or initiative there are always going to be drawbacks. However, for restaurants the Eat Out To Help Out scheme provides benefits a plenty. We’d encourage all restaurants to sign up to the scheme and take advantage of this huge perk in difficult times.
For more information on SVTables or to try the live system call 01253 698328 or complete the form below: