Every person in North to get 50% off voucher for thousands of pubs and restaurants

The initiative was announced in the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak.

The 'eat out help out' discount applies to everyone in the UK, including Northern Ireland, and is designed to breathe much needed life back into the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and according to the Treasury it will help to safeguard up to 1.6 million jobs.

"To encourage people to safely return to eating out at restaurants, the government’s new eat out to help out discount scheme will provide a 50% reduction for sit-down meals from Monday to Wednesday every week throughout August 2020," said Chancellor Sunak.

It will be valid at 130,000 cafés, restaurants and pubs across the UK and equate to 50% off, up to a max discount of £10 per head and children are included.

The discount, which does not apply to alcohol, can be used an unlimited number of times from Monday to Wednesday throughout August.

Participating restaurants and pubs can apply to the government to be reimbursed for the 50% discount via a soon to be launched online portal.

Chancellor Sunak also announced a drastic reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% for the tourism and hospitality sector - this will take effect from next Wednesday to januayr

"This will give these businesses the confidence to maintain their staff, as more people get through the door and business activity kick-starts again," said the Treasury.

"Running through August, the voucher will also give households a 50% reduction on the meals, up to £10 per head, on sit down meals and non-alcoholic drinks. The vouchers will be able to be used on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays," the Treasury added.

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