As restaurants, pubs and cafes see some of their busiest days ever thanks to the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, many are calling on the scheme to be extended.
The discount scheme, which gives diners 50% off meals up to £10 every Monday – Wednesday in August, has seen a number of Pembrokeshire’s eateries record some of their busiest ever days. Treasury estimates put the average claim at around £5, making the cost of the policy around £50m so far.
Preseli MP Stephen Crabb recently visited a participating pub, Haverfordwest’s Bristol Trader, where owners Brian and Margaret Harries were very complimentary of the scheme devised by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to encourage people to help boost the economy.
The Bristol Trader have also made several adaptations to make the pub safer for customers and staff, including screens and booths, which have been well received by customers.
Commenting after the visit, Stephen Crabb said: “What Brian and Margaret have said about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme is echoed by many of the other businesses who have signed up. They are seeing more people through the door, enjoying some fabulous food and helping support Pembrokeshire’s economy. And it’s not only traditional tourist areas which have seen an increase in business, as town centre eateries have seen the benefit of the scheme as well.
“Businesses needed support from the Government to get people back into the habit of going out for food and drinks. This unique and unprecedented scheme has certainly given that support. With no cost at all to the businesses, this is a win-win for customers and businesses alike.
“Having spoken to a number of participating businesses, many are asking for the scheme to be extended into September. I will be passing on all the feedback on this scheme to the Chancellor, along with the thanks of many businesses across Pembrokeshire.”