Kate Nicholls has called on the government to extend the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, the UK Hospitality CEO said “boosting confidence and boosting footfall” were the most significant things the scheme had done, but also pointed to the number of “first time users” saying 70% had said it was the launch of the scheme which had tempted them back out. “They needed it to boost their confidence and now they feel that they can return, not just to restaurants, pubs and bars, but also the high street,” she said. “And they’re more comfortable about returning to public transport which is critical for getting the economy moving.”