We’re here to guide you through the coronavirus pandemic. Sign up to the Life newsletter for daily tips, advice, how-tos and escapism.

People will be able to get 50% off meals when dining out in August as part of a government push to get the economy moving again.

Chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced that for the month of August, everyone in England will be entitled to an ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ discount – to get customers back into restaurants, cafés and pubs, and protect the 1.8 million people who work in them. 

“Meals eaten at any participating business, Monday to Wednesday, will be 50% off up to a maximum discount of £10 per head, for everyone – including children,” he said in a statement.

So, what do you need to do to benefit from the discount? Well, very little actually. Here’s a quick guide to how ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ works. 

How does the scheme work?

It’s up to businesses to register for the scheme to encourage customers to visit. They can do so by registering online from next Monday – July 13. 

Then, throughout August, businesses will be able to offer customers half price discounts from Monday to Wednesday, and claim the money back from the government – with the funds in their accounts within five working days.

The discount is redeemable on sit-down meals and non-alcoholic drinks and the maximum discount per customer is £10.

Will all restaurants take part?

It’s not clear just yet which restaurants will be taking part in the scheme, but it’s worth keeping an eye on restaurant social media accounts over the coming week to see if they sign up and advertise the deal.

“1.8m people work in this industry, they need our support – and with this measure we can all eat out to help out,” said Sunak on Wednesday.

Food, accommodation and attraction firms will also benefit from a temporary VAT cut from 20% to 5%, he said.

As it stands, people are able to visit pubs and restaurants in England with members of their household, as well as members from one other household.