Over 53,000 restaurants sign up to Eat Out scheme

The HMRC has said over 53,000 outlets have signed up to the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme - and has set up an online finder so consumers can find participating restaurants.

It’s also released stickers and posters for participating restaurants to display in their windows to advertise they are taking part.

“Restaurants, cafes and bars play a vital role in our economy, employing more than a million people,” said chancellor Rishi Sunak. “They have been hit hard by coronavirus, so it’s vital we do everything we can to help them recover.

“Our Eat Out to Help Out scheme is designed to get more customers through the door – protecting jobs by giving businesses the confidence to retain and hire staff.”

Participating outlets must wait seven days from registration to make their first claim with all eligible claims being paid within five working days. Claims can be submitted weekly and businesses are encouraged to register before the 3 August to benefit for the entire month in which the scheme runs.