To get the country eating in restaurants, pubs and cafes again, a new 'Eat Out to Help Out' discount has been unveiled.

Dubbed the 'Dosh for Nosh' scheme, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said everyone in the country would get the discount in an effort to get customers back into restaurants, cafes and pubs.

As part of a raft of wide-ranging measures, the Chancellor has also slashed VAT from 20% to 5% for the hospitality industry. 

How will it work?

Meals eaten at any participating business from Monday to Wednesday during August will be 50% cheaper, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head for everyone.

Businesses can then claim the money back, with the funds in their bank account within five working days.

Is it just for adults?

Nope, it includes children as well.

Warrington Guardian:

What does it apply to?

It covers any eat-in meal at any participating restaurant, cafe, pub or other eligible food service establishment across the UK during the month of August.

Can I use this discount more than once?

Yes, a Treasury document said the discount can be used “unlimited times”.

Can I buy alcohol?

No, it only includes non-alcoholic drinks.

What does this mean for businesses?

If you're a business, you will need to register on a so-called 'simple website' which will be open from Monday.

Mr Sunak told MPs: “Each week in August, businesses can then claim the money back, with the funds in their bank account within five working days.”

Shares in restaurant companies moved higher following the announcement, with shares in Wagamama-owner The Restaurant Group moving 2.6% higher shortly after the Chancellor’s statement.

What else is being done for businesses like this?

Well, quite a lot. There will be a VAT cut from 20% to 5% for the hospitality and tourism sectors from July 15 until January 12, 2021.

And it is claimed this will save households around £160 per year on average and, together with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, will support more than 2.4 million staff working at more than 150,000 businesses, helping them recover and reopen after the Covid-19 lockdown.

Who will benefit from this?

The move will benefit accommodation in hotels, B&Bs, campsites and caravan sites, while attractions such as cinemas, theme parks and zoos will also see the tax cut.

Mr Sunak said: “This is a £4 billion catalyst for the hospitality and tourism sectors, benefiting over 150,000 businesses, and consumers everywhere – all helping to protect 2.4 million jobs.”