Congleton restaurants and other eateries serving food to eat on the premises can now sign up to a new Government initiative aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.

The Eat Out to Help Out registration page went live this morning (Mon) on GOV.UK, allowing businesses to join the scheme announced last week by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak.

Restaurants, bars, cafés and other establishments which use the scheme will offer a 50 percent discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in throughout August.

Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill. Alcohol is excluded from the scheme.

Businesses simply reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

The scheme is open to eligible establishments across the UK and can be used all day, every Monday to Wednesday, between 3 and 31 August 2020.

Businesses will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme and can download promotional items from GOV.UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: "Restaurants and other eligible establishments are now able to support jobs by signing up to a place on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

"HMRC's quick and easy registration page will soon have you on your way to welcoming back your customers with discounted dining on every Monday to Wednesday throughout August, with a simple process to reclaim these discounts back from the Government each week."

Jim Harra, Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary of HMRC, said: "The hospitality industry is among the sectors worst affected by COVID-19. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme will deliver support to around 130,000 businesses, including restaurants, cafes and bars serving food and drink, helping to protect 1.8 million jobs across the UK.

"Registering is easy, and we urge businesses to sign up early so they are ready to use the scheme when it starts on 3 August.

"Businesses have made great efforts to re-open their sit-down services safely in line with social distancing guidance, so people can feel confident to dine out again."

You can register for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme if you:

â— sell food intended for consumption on the premises when purchased

â— provide a dining area or share a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals

â— registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before 7 July

A searchable restaurant finder tool will be available to the public before the scheme launches on 3 August.