50% off meals in August under Eat Out to Help Out scheme will boost demand and save Derry jobs, says Martina Anderson

Dozens of local businesses are registered under the government-supported ‘Eat Out to Help Out Scheme’ that allows people to get a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks when they dine out every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August.

Sinn Féin Foyle MLAs Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan said supporting the scheme would help safeguard jobs after meeting City Centre Initiative (CCI) manager Jim Roddy to discuss the implications of the city centre emerging from COVID-19.

“We felt it was very important to have this meeting with Jim Roddy to get the most up to date information available on how COVID-19 has impacted on local businesses and what practical solutions we could bring as elected representatives to help.

“Many workers are fearful of what the future holds for them as a lot of decisions on shop closures are being taken hundreds of miles away. No business has been immune from the economic impact over the past five months so it’s important that we support them as best we can,” she said.

One way of doing this is the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme that allows customers claim discounts on meals of 50 per cent up to a maximum of £10 per person.

“With many people taking a staycation this year I would hope they can use it as an opportunity to help the local hospitality sector.

“It will run every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until August 31. Customers will be able to get 50 per cent off food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a total value of £10 per person if you eat or drink in. With people eating out more I hope it also gives a much-needed bounce to the local taxi industry who are also finding it hard with less people using their services due to COVID-19. Every small action we take collectively can go a long way to keep local people in jobs and the doors of businesses open,” said Ms. Anderson.