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North-east eateries back ‘eat out to help out’ discount offer for hospitality industry

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Businesses across the north and north-east have welcomed the new “eat out to help out” scheme unveiled by the chancellor.

They have, however, warned capacity restrictions to comply with social distancing rules may still remain the biggest hurdle for them to overcome.

Rishi Sunak’s initiative aims to support the 1.8 million hospitality jobs across the UK by encouraging people back into restaurants, pubs and cafes with a 50% discount on meals, up to a maximum of £10 per person.

Customers will pay the reduced price at the till before businesses claim the outstanding balance weekly from the UK Government.

The discount offer will run during August and will only apply on meals and soft drinks bought on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with online registration opening next week for firms wishing to take part.

Yesterday hotels, restaurants and cafes expressed support for the scheme but cautioned it would not solve all of the industry’s problems.

Alastair Ross, owner of Elgin’s Sunninghill Hotel, said: “It looks fantastic on paper but I would need to know more about it.

“I still think the biggest issue about eating out will be the social distancing guidelines that businesses have to comply with. I think that will remain more detrimental.

“I am quite confident our restaurant will be full on a Friday or Saturday but we might only have 50 seats at the moment, when ordinarily we would have 100.”

Stuart Clarkson, director of PB Devco, which owns eight restaurants and bars in Aberdeen including Soul, The Queen Vic, The Bieldside and So, said: “I think it’s a great thing for the government to commit to and I think the public will see as a nice gesture too.

“I can see how pubs could think they aren’t getting any advantage from the discount scheme but if people are going out for a meal, chances are they will go to a pub before or after.

“It should help everyone.”

Stephen Gow, is general manager of Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel, which reopened yesterday.

He said: “Currently, we’re only open from Wednesday to Sunday so we can test our new ways of operating safely, but this may help us back towards seven-day opening.

“If this system is as efficient as the HMRC furlough payments have been, then this will provide an excellent support for businesses in our sector.”

Carol Fowler, director of The Banchory Lodge Hotel, also believes it will help get people back out dining, which she says is “great”.

“If it generates more covers that’s good but if it means regulars come out more often that would also help,” she said.

“We will definitely be registering for it. I think it will give the food and drink market a lot of confidence.”

Mark Russell, co-owner of Manna in Elgin, which also reopened yesterday, added: “Any help the government is prepared to give at his time is going to be welcomed.

“It isn’t easy for anyone at the moment.

“I think it sounds like a positive step that will help people go in the right direction.”