Eat Out to Help Out

Eat Out to Help Out was a British government scheme to support and create jobs in the hospitality industry to counter the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[1][2] The scheme involved the government subsidising food and non-alcoholic drinks at participating cafes, pubs, and restaurants at 50%, up to £10 per person (per order).

[2][8] The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant economic impact, especially in the hospitality sector, due to a decline in tourism and leisure activities.

Changes in consumer behaviour during the pandemic also resulted in the hospitality sector continuing to suffer losses after lockdowns were lifted.

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme was designed to increase demand in the hospitality industry and encourage spending consumer behaviours.

[2] The scheme was announced by Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 8 July 2020 as part of the British government's Plan for Jobs strategy.

[2] John Edmunds of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a member of the Sage committee of advisers during the pandemic described the scheme as "a spectacularly stupid idea and an obscene way to spend public money".