Chamber of Commerce welcomes 'eat out' scheme, but hoped for 'bolder' move from government

The "eat out to help out" scheme gives customers a £10 discount off their food bill during August in a bid to get the hospitality industry back up and running.

It was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week.

It follows the reopening of restaurants, pubs and cafes after they were forced to close their doors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Restaurants can claim the money back from the government through a website set to open on Monday July 13.

The discount will only be available Monday to Wednesday, and cannot be used for alcohol.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said the news was welcome, and hoped it would entice customers back out to eat.

He added: "The scheme was part of the British Chamber of Commerce's request to the chancellor that he incentivises people to start to use restaurants. We welcome it, but the scope could have been much bolder.

"We have to be grateful for small mercies in these times.

"Barnsley and Rotherham are no different to anywhere else - the sector needs as much support and help as it can get.

"Hopefully it will attract some people out, it is slow progress and one would have hoped the government would have been a bit bolder.

"It's got to be welcomed after the easing of restrictions last weekend."

Following the reopening of pubs last Saturday - dubbed 'Super Saturday', Mr Denniff said the day went "as well as could be expected".

"Feedback from South Yorkshire Police, hospitals and those in the night-time economy in Barnsley and Rotherham, was that it went as well as could be expected."

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