RUSH FOR RISHI’S HALF-PRICE DISHES
HUNGRY families raced to cash in on half-price meal deals yesterday as the nation rallied to the Chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out call to boost businesses.
It means that people can pick up a meal for under £5 a head.
Queues snaked around the block as fast-food restaurants – no bookings required – were swamped by people eager to tuck into the first day of Rishi Sunak’s cut-price cuisine offer.
They patiently lined up outside Nando’s, McDonald’s and Yo Sushi! to name just a few as bills tumbled with savings of up to a tenner a head.
Tables were fully booked in some restaurants such as TGI Fridays in Manchester and Pizza Express in London.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak hopes the offer will help protect the jobs of 1.8 million workers and inject life into high streets up and down the country following the coronavirus lockdown.
But ministers are facing calls to exclude fast food from the drive or risk undermining their own antiobesity push.
The scheme, unveiled at last month’s coronavirus economic statement from Mr Sunak, gives customers up to 50 per cent off on all food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed on-site up to a limit of £10.
Vital
Other major chains, including Costa Coffee and Pizza Express, have signed up to the drive which runs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.
There is an Eat Out to Help Out website to help people find outlets taking part.
The scheme is designed to shore up businesses which have been hard-hit by months of lockdown, but formal value-for-money concerns have been raised by HMRC’s most senior official over its use of public funds.
Mr 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 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 it’s been hit hard by coronavirus, so enjoy summer safely by showing your favourite places your support – we’ll pay half.”
The scheme encourages people to return safely to their local restaurants, cafes and pubs where social-distancing rules allow.
But the initiative aimed at getting more people into eating establishments comes amid a major Government drive to tackle obesity, with restaurants soon expected to display calorie counts on menus in a bid to encourage healthier eating.
Research shows that obesity is a major risk factor for dying of Covid-19.
Lib Dem health spokeswoman Munira Wilson said: “We all recognise the need to support the High Street through the pandemic, but the Government should have been more discerning with this scheme.
“Obesity is already an immense challenge for people and the NHS, but the latest research suggests it also contributes to the deadliness of coronavirus. With a number of fast-food chains signing up to the scheme it seems clear that public health did not factor into the Government’s decision.”
The Treasury said many restaurants taking part in the programme would offer “healthy and low-calorie options”, and said the scheme “should be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle”.
With the weather beginning to look up for August those taking
advantage of the scheme were able to dine al fresco yesterday.
But it is not all sweetness and light. One of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts has urged people to stay away ahead of a heatwave returning this weekend.
Authorities in Brighton expressed growing concern over a lack of social distancing among summer revellers last weekend. Fights even broke out at seafront bars. Similar scenes were played out in Bournemouth as around 100,000 packed the beach.
Brighton and Hove Council has now asked people not to come to the city amid concerns about their behaviour. It said: “If you’re not already here, please don’t travel to the city. There is limited capacity on public transport. Large numbers make it impossible to maintain physical distancing.”
Sussex Police have also urged people not to travel to Brighton after fears that an unofficial Pride party would take place.
The Met Office says heat will begin to build again from Wednesday with temperatures likely fo reach 91F (33C) in some parts by Saturday.