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» Fears it could fuel surges in Covid cases » Diners queue up for half-price meals offer
QUEUES formed at restaurants around the UK yesterday on day one of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, despite surges in Covid-19 cases in large parts of the country.
Dozens of punters waited outside Nando’s and McDonald’s in Reading, Berks, and Wagamama in Newcastle.
And tables were full at TGI Friday’s in Manchester and a Pizza Express in West London.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak pressed ahead with yesterday’s launch, despite fears of a second coronavirus spike. Large parts of northern England, including Manchester, are already badly hit.
The number of Covid-19 deaths rose by nine yesterday to 46,210 while the Department of Health recorded 938 new cases in a 24-hour period – the most since June. The hospitality sector is subject to strict safety rules, including socially distanced tables and screens.
But some pubs have already closed again weeks after re-opening, as customers were found to be infected.
Yesterday, people affected by new local lockdowns said it was “tempting fate” to encourage people to eat out.
One Manchester resident said on Twitter: “I can’t see my family but can eat out or go to the pub? Nice one.”
Another said: “If you’re from Greater Manchester you can be sacked for not going into the office.
“Someone in that office can’t come to your home or you get fined, but you can eat out with them and get 50% off meal and have a beer.”
And a third said: “On one hand we
We have a ‘major incident’ but are told to eat out
ONE RESIDENT ON THE RULES IN MANCHESTER
have a ‘major incident’, but on the other we are being pushed to eat out. Isn’t this tempting fate?”
A Whitehall source told the Mirror that government efforts to restart parts of the economy may fail.
“It is like trying to host a dinner party while the kitchen is at risk of catching on fire,” they said
Those who took advantage of the offer were more positive.
BBC radio presenter Jeremy Buxton, whose family breakfast bill at Manchester Airport fell from £27.40 to £13.67, said: “Loving the UK government Eat Out To Help Out offer.”
And Natalie Woodhouse, from Doncaster, said: “I’m going out for breakfast to Costa with my best friend. Half price, you can’t refuse, can you?”
More than 72,000 venues have signed up to the scheme which applies from Monday to Wednesday throughout August.
As well as casual dining restaurants high-end venues like Tom Kerridge’s Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Bucks, the Kitchin in Edinburgh and Angel at Hetton in Skipton, North Yorkshire, are also taking part.
Posh steak bar Hawksmoor said it had taken 5,500 bookings in six hours.
Co-owner Will Beckett said tables for Monday to Wednesday were “pretty much” sold out, in London, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Industry body UK Hospitality said 84% of businesses had signed up.
Boss Kate Nicholls said: “Our sector has been quick to adopt the scheme and we have seen innovative menu additions.
“Confidence is key to securing the future of our sector and keeping jobs
SIGNED UP Kerridge safe.” Mr Sunak said the offer, backed by £500million of taxpayers’ cash, would help protect “the jobs of 1.8 million chefs, waiters and restaurateurs”. He added: “The industry is a vital ingredient to our economy, so enjoy summer safely by showing your favourite places your support.”
Website Moneyhub said spending at restaurants on takeaways was already rising, with a 53% jump in June, month on month. Some 80% of hospitality firms stopped trading in April, with 1.4 million workers furloughed – the highest of any sector.
It comes as a report found those living in rural areas are more at risk of losing their jobs in the pandemic.
The County Councils Network, which acts for 39 of the biggest English authorities, said almost six million people in England’s counties are in “at-risk” jobs.