FROM next week (Monday 3, August) many cafes and restaurants in Thurrock will be looking to get a boost in trade thanks to the government's 'Eat Out to Help Out Scheme'.

By offering discounts of food and non alcoholic drinks it's hoped the scheme will provide a boost to the struggling hospitality industry, now that the national lockdown is easing. The venue will deduct the money off the bill and claim it back from the government.

You can find out which venues are close to you by entering your postcode here. The website will give you venues that are registered within two miles.

If you want to find a postcode in an area not close to your home you can find its postcode via this link.

The discount is only available on food and drink that you intend to consume on the premises, and can be used as many times as you like.

Participating venues are supposed to offer the full 50% discount all day Monday to Wednesday and across the whole food and soft drink menu. There is no limit on how many people can use the discount in one party, and it includes children.

There's no minimum spend and you don't have to order food to be eligible, for example a £3 coffee would cost £1.50 under the scheme.

The offer, which does not require a voucher, can be used in combination with any other promotions and discounts being offered by the venue. The discount will be automatically available to you at participating establishments. It is valid all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 31 August, in all parts of the UK that are not in a local lockdown.

The maximum discount available is £10 per person when you eat or drink in.

Establishments can choose whether to sign up, and can join the scheme at any point. They need to register online and will be able to claim the money back and have it refunded within five working days,

To be eligible they must have a designated dining or drinking area, or access to one, and have been registered with their local authority since at least 7 July 2020. Businesses that have used the furlough scheme can apply.