Alan Brown MP Supports ‘Eat Out to Help Out Scheme’.

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun welcomes the new initiative from the UK Government which aims to get locals out supporting bars and restaurants.

Starting this Monday (3rd August) you can get a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks, with up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner.

The Scheme will run every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 31st August There is no limit to the number of times customers can use the offer during the period of the scheme. Your customers cannot get a discount for someone who is not eating or drinking.

 The discount will be automatically available to customers at participating establishments. The restaurants and bars will then claim a reimbursement from the Government for the discount provided.

 Commenting, Alan Brown MP said:

“This is a welcome step from the UK Government and I fully support this initiative.

“It is imperative we support the hospitality industry and this scheme will certainly assist with getting the industry back up and running.

 “It has been a difficult time for the entire country, that should go without saying, but the hospitality industry has severely struggled not being able to operate and trade during this time. The last thing any of us want to see is businesses closing its doors due to this pandemic and bars and restaurants are no different.

 “My staff delivered letters to around 40 bars and restaurants across Kilmarnock and Loudoun last week to give details of the scheme and how to register for it.“Prior to this announcement, the UK Government cut VAT from 20 percent to five percent in the hospitality trade excluding sales of alcohol. This lasts from 15th July until 12th January 2021.

 “It is a welcome step in the right direction, although I have campaigned for a zero rating and will lobby the Chancellor to extend this beyond January 2021. The last thing we need is prices going back up post-Christmas.

 “I hope to see as many bars and restaurants utilise this scheme as possible in order to get business up and running again.”