Originally Posted by
sinkov
"The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant economic impacts, especially in the hospitality sector, due to a decline in tourism and leisurely activities. Many sectors were ordered to close and the public to stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during lockdowns. Changes in consumer behaviour during the pandemic also resulted in the hospitality sector continuing to suffer losses after lockdowns were lifted. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme was designed to increase demand in the hospitality industry and encourage spending consumer behaviours.[2]
Scheme and impact
The scheme was announced by Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 8 July 2020 as part of the British government's Plan for Jobs strategy.[1][9] It involved the government subsidising food and non-alcoholic drinks at participating cafes, pubs, and restaurants, where the food and drinks were consumed on the premises. The subsidy was for 50% of the order, up to £10 per person (per order). The offer was available from 3 to 31 August, from Monday to Wednesday each week.[2][3][10] There were no limits on how many times an individual could use the discount.[1]
The scheme led to a significant increase in restaurant visits during August, which were greater than the visits during the corresponding period a year prior (in August 2019).[2] Participation in recreational activities was also increased by 5–6% on the days the scheme was active.[10] Staff recruitment in the food service industry–measured by job postings–had increased by 7% to 14%, an increase not detected in other industries.[10]"
As described above, it was conceived to address serious problems in the hospitality sector, and it worked. We were eating out 2/3 times a week during August, I never saw any price increases in the restaurants we were using, just lots of happy people having a good time after months of lockdown lunacy. The only complaints I saw were the usual Lefty malcontents in the Grauniad, and when they moan about something you can be sure it's a good thing.