THE UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme is now live, with venues able to register at the gov.uk website.
The scheme allows venues to offer customers a discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks – up to £10 per person – every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August.
Operators will then be able to claim the discount back from Westminster.
In order to participate in the scheme operators have to register through the UK Government website (www.gov.uk). To register business owners will need: a Government Gateway ID (this can be created during registration); the name and address of each venue being registered; the UK bank account number and sort code for the business; the address on the bank account for the business (it appears on the bank statement); and the date the business started trading.
A VAT registration number, employer PAYE scheme reference number and Corporation Tax, Self Assessment or Partnership Self Assessment unique taxpayer reference may also be required.
Multiple operators will need to register all their venues at the same time, providing details for each venue. It is not possible to add further venues after the initial registration.
Once registered, the operator will receive a reference number, which they will use to claim their reimbursement.
Only five claims can be made per business, with claims split into five periods: August 3 to 5; August 10 to 12; August 17 to 19; August 24 to 26; August 31.
Operators should keep a record of: the number of diners who have used the scheme; the total discount provided to them; and the period being claimed for. Claims will then be paid into the company’s account within five working days.
