The Treasury said numbers have surged, after 10½ million meals were claimed in the first week, before climbing to a total of 35 million for the first two weeks. Data from OpenTable shows that for the fourth week of the scheme, seated diners were up 106 percent on Tuesday 25 August compared to the equivalent day in 2019, and the average increase Monday-Wednesday was up 95 percent compared to 2019 equivalent days. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “As the Eat Out to Help Out scheme draws to a close,
“I want to say thank you to the diners who have fallen back in love with their local, to the managers who have spent weeks ensuring their restaurants were safe and to the chefs, waiters and waitresses across the country who have worked tirelessly, sometimes with more customers than they’ve ever had before – all helping to protect 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector.
“The scheme reminded us why we as a nation love dining out and I urge diners to maintain the momentum to help continue our economic recovery.”
Polls suggest half the population are planning to continue eating out to help out in September, as dozens of restaurant chains also pledged to launch their own versions of the scheme.
Figures from YouGov show that 50 percent of people who used the scheme intend to dine out the same amount or more often once it comes to an end.
Jemima Ferguson, the Group Brand & Marketing Director of Itsu, said: “The scheme has been hugely successful for us at Itsu. It’s helped to drive over 50 percent more transactions during the Eat Out to Help Out period each week, without negatively impacting our trade during the rest of the week.
“We believe ripple effects from the positive impact of this scheme will be felt for many months to come.”
The British Bangladesh Caterers Association, says that the scheme provided them with a “vital lifeline.”
Amanda Milling, the co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, said: “We wanted people to enjoy summer safely, and this scheme has helped boost local businesses and protect jobs across our hospitality sector, while allowing families to keep more money in their pockets.”
