Life, as we know it, is unlikely to be the same post-COVID 19 given the social distancing and safety measures that organisations will have to take to safeguard their employees and customers.

The restaurant sector, this is even more apparent as their businesses’ existence is dependent on (largely direct interactions with) consumers. With many consumers staying at home and careful to engage in social activities even when restrictions are eased, Eat Out to Help Out scheme offers diners to tempt back who might have been dragging their heels or lacking confidence to start socialising.

Eat Out to Help Out is open to Restaurants, cafes and bars which serve food to eat on the premise by offering a 50 % reduction to their customers. The Restaurant will be able to reclaim online from HMRC once they have registered their establishment. The restaurant can offer the discount on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Key Features of the Scheme

You can use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme:

to offer a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, for food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in.

You can offer the scheme all day, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 31 August 2020.
There’s no limit to the number of times customers can use the offer during the period of the scheme, and they don’t need to produce a voucher. Your customers can’t get a discount for someone who is not eating or drinking.
The Service charge is not included in the scheme.
You can use the scheme alongside other offers and discount you are offerings.

You cannot use the scheme for

alcoholic drinks
tobacco products
food or drink that is to be consumed off premises
food or drink that is sold as part of a private party, event or function taking place within an eligible establishment

Record you must keep

In order to claim the remaining 50 % from HMRC, you have a legal duty to keep certain records for each day:

total number of people who have used the scheme in your restaurant
total value of transactions under the scheme
total amount of discount you’ve given.
The claim can be made on a weekly basis
Full VAT will be due on the customers’ bill
Any money received through the scheme will be taxable

The future of dining will change, and being able to adapt will set any restaurant apart from the others.

Further guidance are available from HMRC below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

Give us a call on 01332 340050 if you need help in implementing some of these ideas and how best to maximise this opportunity through creative marketing using range of social media tools. Our team of experts can help you to launch this successfully and will ensure that you also comply with the scheme guidance.