The Government guidance says that eligible establishments are those in which food is sold for immediate on-premises consumption. This could include:
- restaurants
- cafés
- public houses that serve food
- hotel restaurants
- restaurants and cafes within tourist attractions, holiday sites and leisure facilities
- dining rooms within members’ clubs
- workplace and school canteens
If the business is of this type, they are eligible to take part even if they have had other support from government under COVID funding programmes.
Exclusions
The discount will only apply for food and drink consumed immediately in a dining area. There is guidance as to how this is determined:
- Hotels: for food and drink consumed in the restaurant but not elsewhere. In addition, food and drink included in the accommodation cost (ie Bed & Breakfast) is excluded.
- Mobile vans and takeaways: They are ineligible for the scheme, even if they have casual seating around them unless they have the facility to offer dining on the premises.
- Private parties, functions, events: The discount does not apply to these even in a venue that can offer discounts in the normal course of business.
- Catering services: They are not eligible for the scheme
- Service charges: This is not part of the scheme and cannot be included when applying the discount
See the Government’s detailed guidance on eligibility and exclusions.
