RESTAURANTS and eateries in East Lancashire are being encouraged to sign up to the government’s nationwide Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

The scheme aims to protect jobs in the hospitality sector by encouraging people to return to safely dining out, with offers of 50% discounts ­— up to £10 per person throughout August.

Customers will not need vouchers, instead businesses will remove the discounted sum from the bill, which they will then be able to reclaim through HMRC’s online service.

Chancellor 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.”

Chief executive and first permanent secretary of HMRC Jim Harra said: “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 at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme.