A new postcode checker has just launched on the Government’s website to help would-be diners find local venues that are participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The scheme offers diners 50% off dishes and non-alcoholic drinks (up to £10 per head) throughout August. Dine out at your favourite local, independent restaurants, cafés and pubs for less and help them to stay in business.

More than 53,000 outlets across the UK have so far signed up to the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme – and a new official Government online finder is available to help diners locate them.

As Eat Out to Help Out stickers and posters start to appear in the windows of restaurants, cafes, bars and other establishments across the country, customers who want to take advantage of the scheme are advised to look out for the logo.

The logo means diners that eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August. Diners can take advantage of the offer as many times as they like during the month.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, says:

“Our restaurants, cafes and bars play a vital role in our economy, employing more than a million people. 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. “

To find out if a restaurant is participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme you can use the online restaurant finder now live on GOV.UK. Simply enter your postcode, or one near to where you want to eat out, to get a list of participating outlets within a five-mile radius.

It is imperative that diners who book ensure that they turn up to the booking or cancel the booking ahead of time (even if short notice). No-shows are very costly and dangerous to businesses and employees’ jobs. If you or any member of your household has symptoms of COVID-19 – even mild ones – please cancel your booking and stay home. You can read a few other customer pointers in our Don’t Be a Dick Guidelines for Customers as Venues Reopen.

Venues can register for the Government scheme here. 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 3rd August to benefit for the entire month in which the scheme runs.

Further information for businesses, including how to register and make a claim, is available online at GOV.UK.