DISCOUNTED MEALS AT 2,084 OUTLETS IN WALES

EAT Out to Help Out launched yesterday, with news that 2,084 outlets have so far signed up for the scheme in Wales.

It pledges to give anyone visiting a partipating restaurant, café or pub on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August a half-price discount.

It applies to all food and nonalcoholic drinks, with a maximum discount per person of £10 – potentially saving a family of four up to £40 a meal.

The 2,084 number released by the UK Government relates to businesses that have fewer than 26 outlets. The actual figure that includes larger restaurant chains in Wales, such as Pizza Express, Nando’s and Costa Coffee is said to be higher.

Across the UK more than 72,000 individual outlets have signed up – as of noon on Friday, July 31 – to take part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, said the UK Government.

You can check to find outlets in individual towns and cities by downloading the list here: https:// www.gov.uk/government/ publications/eat-out-to-help-outscheme-registration-data-forsoftware-develop

Alternatively, you can use the online restaurant finder to search for participating outlets using a postcode: https://www.tax.service. gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/ find-a-restaurant

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “Wales has some of the best pubs, cafés and restaurants and our hospitality sector plays a vital role in our economy, employing thousands of people. Recognising the incredible challenges faced by the sector, we are doing everything we can to encourage customers through the door.

“By offering 50% off bills in restaurants, cafés and bars, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme will boost custom.

“I hope as many people as possible make the most of this fantastic scheme, which is another step in securing the future of Wales’ world-class tourism and hospitality industry.”

UK Hospitality said its survey of business leaders suggests that 84% of restaurants are taking part in at least some of their locations.

The organisation’s chief executive, Kate Nicholls, hoped customers would be tempted back into the businesses, which have “invested heavily” to make their venues Covid-secure.

She said: “Confidence is going to be key to securing the future of our sector and keeping jobs safe.

“We hope that as many people as possible take this one-off chance to have a fantastic experience at a significant discount and rediscover eating out throughout August.”

Around 80% of hospitality firms stopped trading in April, with 1.4 million workers furloughed, the highest of any sector, according to the Treasury.