Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme was one of the Government's policy measures to support businesses reopening following the first COVID-19 lockdown. The Scheme aimed to help protect jobs in the hospitality sector by encouraging consumers to eat out. This briefing summarises reactions to the Scheme and figures on the Scheme's take-up and impact.
The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme (EOHO Scheme) was one of the Government's policy measures aimed to support businesses reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown period. It formed part of the Chancellor’s summer economic update on 8 July 2020 (the Plan for Jobs).
Under the Scheme Government provided 50% off the cost of food and/or non-alcoholic drinks eaten-in at participating businesses UK-wide. It applied all-day Monday to Wednesday from 3 to 31 August 2020. The discount is capped at a maximum of £10 per head.
Overall, £849 million was claimed under the Scheme across 78,116 outlets. Over 160 million individual meals (covers) were claimed; the average claim per cover was £5.24. The total amount paid under the scheme was £840 million (slightly lower than the amount claimed due to some rejected claims or errors in payment details). This exceeds the £500 million forecast by the Treasury at the time of the Scheme announcement.
The scheme boosted customer demand for eating out on the Scheme days in August. However, dining-out dropped from mid-September as restrictions were re-imposed on hospitality venues.