NI business chief says ‘there is no doubt that Eat Out to Help Out will be extended’

Chief Executive at Retail NI, Glyn Roberts, said: “Many restaurants and businesses will keep the offer going - it is predominantly the hospitality sector of course.

“I think we have already seen that a number of local restaurants are carrying it on throughout the month of September as it has been a great success.

“It has brought support to many struggling businesses and I think it bodes well for the future.”

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme was initiated to help businesses who were closed due to the coronavirus crisis. Its aim was to entice customers to dine in the establishments for 50% of the price.

The business was then able to claim the other 50% of the price back from the government.

It started on August 3, and allowed customers to get a 50 per cent discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner) at participating restaurants.

Among those extending the offer is Deane’s restaurant in Belfast.

On their Facebook page they say: “Let’s do it all again #eatouttohelpout Tuesday & Wednesday’s in September #eatatdeanes #winwin #deanesmeatlocker #deaneslovefish #deaneseipic #deanesatqueens #deaneanddecano #lovedeanes https://instagr.am/p/CEUVmWLhaFt/”

Mr Roberts added: “We need a coherent strategy for getting people back onto our High Streets.

“An Executive task force needs to be set up immediately.”

“What would really help is getting more office workers back in to their places of work. Office workers provide a lot of footfall and trade for city centre businesses.”

Mr Roberts said the initiative should be seen in a “wider context which wants to get people back into our city centres, town centres, socialising and shopping”.

He added: “We are beginning to develop a scheme with he Executive, not just for the hospitality business, but one which would support independent retailers who have struggled throughout the pandemic.

“There are a lot of good examples in local towns where a voucher scheme has particular support for independent retailers.

“We need a coherent strategy for getting people back onto our High Streets. The executive task force needs to be set up immediately.”

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