Local MP, Fay Jones MP has welcomed the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme, which will give people in Brecon and Radnorshire up to 50% off their bills in restaurants, cafes and pubs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.
The scheme – part of the government’s Plan for Jobs that will spur the country’s economic recovery from coronavirus – applies to all food and non-alcoholic drinks, with a maximum discount per person of £10.
In Wales, there are 2,084 participating independent establishments, and outlets from smaller chains (those with 25 restaurants or fewer).
The scheme will help keep more money in hardworking families’ pockets and give the UK’s hospitality sector a vital boost.
As part of the UK Government’s £30 billion Plan for Jobs, Wales will also benefit from:
- A temporary cut in VAT for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
- A Job Retention Bonus to encourage employers to retain staff who have been on the furlough scheme, with the Government paying a one-off bonus of £1,000 for every employee who was furloughed and who is kept on until 31 January.
- A new Kickstart Scheme, which will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully-subsidised jobs for young people.
Commenting on the start of the scheme, Fay Jones MP said:
“As Welsh pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants reopen their indoor areas, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme also starts today.
"While I hope we can all make the most of this scheme, it is still important for visitors and locals alike, to follow the Welsh COVID-19 guidance.
"This scheme is a great way to boost local businesses and protect jobs across our hospitality sector –which has been hard hit by coronavirus – while allowing families to keep more money in their pockets.
“I encourage my constituents to enjoy summer safely by going out and supporting their local restaurant.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:
“Our Eat Out to Help Out scheme’s number one aim is to help protect the jobs of 1.8 million chefs, waiters pub owners and restaurateurs by boosting demand and getting customers through the door.
“More than 72,000 establishments will be serving discounted meals across the country, with the government paying half the bill. The industry is a vital ingredient to our economy and has been hit hard by coronavirus. So enjoy summer safely by showing your local restaurants your support.”