A Government scheme which covers half of each diner's bill starts next month - and restaurants are being urged to sign up now.

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week and it will start from August 3.

Restaurants, bars, cafes and other hospitality businesses will be able to sign up to the new initiative which is aiming to get people to safely return to dining out.

Businesses on the scheme will offer each diner a 50 percent reduction to their bill - up to a maximum of £10 per person - who eat and/or drink throughout August on every Monday to Wednesday.

Businesses will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme. Customers will also not need a voucher as businesses will put the discount on their bill.

According to the new scheme businesses 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.

Can you register?

You can register for the new Government scheme if your establishment:

  • Sells food that is intended for consumption on the premisses when purchased.
  • Provides its own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals.
  • It has registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before July 7.

Click here to register your business.