Over 64 million meals claimed in Eat Out to Help Out scheme

The government scheme designed to accelerate the recovery of the hospitality industry after COVID-19 has seen over 64 million meals claimed across the country..

The government’s Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme, which is entering its fourth week, has seen millions of customers return to restaurants and eateries around the UK in a bid to support 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector.

Figures issued today have shown that during Eat Out to Help Out’s third week the number of customers at UK restaurants was 61 per cent higher than the same days last year on average for Monday to Wednesday.

The data also shows that the number of customers at UK restaurants was up 17 per cent compared to the same week in 2019.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak commented: “Today’s figures continue to show that Brits are backing hospitality – with more than 64 million meals discounted so far, that’s equivalent to nearly every person in the country dining out to protect jobs.

“This scheme has reminded us how much we love to dine out, and in doing so, how this is helping to protect the jobs of nearly two million people who work in hospitality.

“I am urging everyone, where they can, to continue to safely enjoy a meal while the scheme remains open.”