Local MP Robbie Moore has joined businesses across his constituency in welcoming the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme, which will give people in Keighley and Ilkley up to 50 per cent 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 Yorkshire and the Humber, there are 3962 participating independent establishments, and outlets from smaller chains (those with 25 restaurants or fewer).
More than 72,000 establishments are participating in total, including independent eateries and family favourites such as Pizza Express, Costa Coffee and Nando’s.
The scheme will help keep more money in hardworking families’ pockets and give the UK’s hospitality sector a vital boost.
Also included in the Government’s £30 billion Plan for Jobs:
- 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 ÂŁ1,000 for every employee who was furloughed and who is kept on until 31 January.
- The temporary removal of stamp duty on all homes under ÂŁ500,000 until the end of March 2021, to catalyse the housing market.
- A new Kickstart Scheme, which will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully-subsidised jobs for young people.
Commenting, Robbie said:
“The Eat Out To Help Out 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.
“We have a great many restaurants across Keighley, Ilkley, Craven and the Worth Valley and I encourage all to enjoy summer safely by going out and supporting their local eating place."
Café on the Square in Keighley owner Antonio Gentile praised the government for the scheme. He said:
“We are in difficult times at the moment, but this scheme has helped in bringing customers back through our doors.
“We had a busy first Monday and today [Tuesday] has been great. We have lots of regulars and it has been brilliant to see them again. Our Café on the Square is very much open and we are delighted to welcome anyone into the café.”
The manager of the Craven Heifer in Addingham said:
“We’re very grateful for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. This latest initiative from the government has helped us tremendously. Leaving party politics aside I believe the assistance that UK businesses have received during this pandemic has been amazing.”
Ian Collins, the manager at the Dalesway Hotel in Keighley, said:
“We are delighted to offer the Eat Out to Help Out scheme here in the centre of Ilkley. With the government discount locals and visitors can all enjoy our traditional pub food at a fantastic price of around £5 for a main course.
“All the usual great British pub menu favourites are available including Homemade Steak Pie, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings and much more.”
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.”
