The government will be giving people 50 percent off food and non-alcoholic drinks in a bid to help support restaurants, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced today in the House of Commons.
Sunak tweeted to say that the offer would apply to 'sit-down meals and non-alcoholic drinks' between Monday and Wednesday, up to the value of £10 per head.
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During Sunak's economic update today, he also said the government would be introducing a VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sectors.
For six months, tax will be slashed from 20 percent to five percent on food, accommodation and attractions - a move that the government has said is a £4bn catalyst benefiting over 150,000 businesses', which would also help protect 2.4 million jobs.
"The best jobs programme we can do is to restart these sectors, and get our pubs, restaurants, cafes and B&Bs bustling again," Sunak said.
"I know people are cautious about going out, but we wouldn't have listed the restrictions if we didn't think we could do so safely.
"I've seen how in the last few weeks hard business are working to make their premises safe, and if we follow the guidance and respect what they ask us to do, we can all enjoy summer safely.
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"In turn, we need to give these businesses the confidence to know that if they open up, invest in making their premises safe and protect jobs, demand will be there - and be there quickly."
He continued: "At the moment, VAT on hospitality and tourism is charged at 20 percent, so I've decided for the next six months to cut that on food, acommodation and attractions.
"Eat-in or hot takeaway food from restaurants, cafes and pubs, accommodation in hotels, B&Bs, campsites and caravan parks, attractions like cinemas, theme parks and zoos: all these and more will see VAT reduced from next Wednesday until January 12, from 20 percent to five percent."
Find out more about the government's Plan For Jobs scheme here.
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