LISTEN: More than 1,500 NI businesses launch 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme

by Q Radio News

More than 1,500 businesses across Northern Ireland are launching the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme today.

Through the initiative, customers will be able to get 50% off their food bills when dining in restaurants, pubs and cafes taking part.

The deal will run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month of August and applies to food and non=alcoholic drinks, with a maximum discount of £10 per person. 

It could save a family of four up to £40 per meal. 

The initiative IS part of the government's Plan for Jobs to help the economy recover from covid-19 and to protect the jobs of 1.8 million hospitality workers across the UK. 

The sector has been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic. 

Jackie Bradley from Applejacks in Caffrey Hill, west Belfast is among those taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. 

She says it is to give customers confidence to come in and sample their food and "great craic". 

Jackie Bradley, Applejacks

‘’We’ll be open for breakfast from 11am on Monday, August 3 and we hope our customers - old and new - take advantage of this cracking promotion.

‘’We’re getting back on track after being closed due to Covid-19 - we’re a family business, with four female staff.

‘’We’re excited about Eat Out to Help Out and we hope it helps put our business back on track.’’

Meanwhile, the Lampost Cafe in east Belfast has also gotten on board with the scheme. 

Victoria Armstrong who works there said, "It is a wonderful thing to give people the initiative to get back into cafes and restaurants, doing what they love; having good food, catching up with friends,soaking up the atmosphere. 

"They can do all that, at a fraction of the price." 

Victoria told Q Radio safety is a main priority since reopening in the wake of covid-19. 

"All the staff are wearing masks, we've spread out our tables so they are all socially distanced.

"We are sanitising everything 30 to 40 times a day to reassure people that when they come back in they will be safe here."

Victoria Armstrong, Lampost Cafe

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, said: "The launch of the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme is fantastic news for Northern Ireland's restaurants, cafes and pubs. The hospitality sector is an integral part of Northern Ireland's economy, contributing £1.1 billion annually.

“This UK Government initiative to provide up to 50% off diners' bills will help to safeguard jobs in the hospitality industry, kick start the economic recovery from Covid 19 and allow families to enjoy great value meals out.

"I would encourage people to support local eateries while continuing to behave responsibly by observing social distancing guidelines."    

You can check to find outlets in individual towns and cities by downloading the list here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eat-out-to-help-out-scheme-registration-data-for-software-developers

Alternatively, you can use the online restaurant finder to search for participating outlets using a postcode: 

https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant