Government to offer 50% off discounts on eating out in August - MSE News

olgadapolga

p00hsticks said:

Jools123 said:

Went to my local pub last week and they refused to take the discount off of the soft drinks we ordered. They said it only applies if we're dining in too. But on their FB page it clearly states that soft drinks are included, no mention of only if you're eating too. My husband bought the drinks and didn't want to take it further - he know's I'm the complainer of the two of us! So next time I'm definitely going to say something.

Given that the scheme is called 'Eat Out to Help Out' it seems the correct interpretation to me that you only get the discount on soft drinks if they're to accompany a meal, although I can see that you could read it the way you have. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

Coffee shops are offering the 50% discount on drinks when purchased in isolation.

Kim_kim

jon81uk said:

Paul_Herring said:

Blushing said:

Will this work with 2 for 1 deals?

Only while they last; sadly it's looking like 2 for 1 deals will be made illegal as part of the upcoming effort to bully the public reduce obesity...

/s

I think the current government plan is to ban BOGOF offers on unhealthy supermarket food, not on dine-in restaurants.

Maybe they should only allow offers on unprocessed food - that might encourage supermarkets to discount them instead of junk.  

Kim_kim

barhug said:

Does the offer include meals eaten on the cafe's tables outside??  Much better for avoiding Covid-19

I went to a pub & ate outside - at socially distanced tables.  

I wouldn’t eat in if the government offered me a 75% discount.  

DCFC79

p00hsticks said:

Jools123 said:

Went to my local pub last week and they refused to take the discount off of the soft drinks we ordered. They said it only applies if we're dining in too. But on their FB page it clearly states that soft drinks are included, no mention of only if you're eating too. My husband bought the drinks and didn't want to take it further - he know's I'm the complainer of the two of us! So next time I'm definitely going to say something.

Given that the scheme is called 'Eat Out to Help Out' it seems the correct interpretation to me that you only get the discount on soft drinks if they're to accompany a meal, although I can see that you could read it the way you have. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

It seems thats not the same for everyone.

The faqs for Hungry horse mention the discount can be used on drinks only but they must be 1.2% ABV or below.
https://www.hungryhorse.co.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/

RobM99

Kim_kim

I went to a pub & ate outside - at socially distanced tables.  

I wouldn’t eat in if the government offered me a 75% discount.  

Fortunately the weather has been good, so I've eaten out (and out!) 4 times so far.

DCFC79

MTwallet_2 said:

The Hungry Horse chain (Greene King) is taking part in the scheme but their usual Daily Deals do not apply. It doesn't say that on their website or in the pub I visted. For example the Tuesday Daily Deal is selected big plates for £6 each, two meals £12.

Under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme the same meal is now full price on a Tuesday £10.29, two meals £20.58 less 50% making £10.29. Just giving a heads up so that customers know before they go, it might affect what meal you select from the menu.

Did you point out what it says on the website ?
I would have done so.

granretire

I ate at a Beefeater yesterday and had a birthday offer of a free main meal. I was informed by staff that my companion had to pay full price for her meal as I was using the birthday offer. This is contradicts the article on MSE. Can anyone point me to the actual Government rule that specifies that they should have allowed the 50% discount on my companion's meal so I can complain to Beefeater.

Amara

Had a meal at Morrison cafe last night. Three meals and three drinks £5.90. That's good.

Paul_Herring

granretire said:

Can anyone point me to the actual Government rule that specifies that they should have allowed the 50% discount on my companion's meal so I can complain to Beefeater.

It's only "can" (read as 'may,') not "must," allow other discounts...

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/get-more-information-about-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme/get-more-information-about-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

You can use the scheme alongside other offers and discounts you are offering.

To calculate the value of the transaction and make a claim to HMRC, you must first apply any special offers, vouchers or discount schemes you might be promoting or accepting and deduct any service charge.

You will only be reimbursed for the qualifying discounts you provide as part of the scheme.

Though it's still worth complaining, since it's going against the spirit of the scheme, if not the actual wording...

.. signed a Very Disappointed Customer...

lisyloo

DCFC79 said:

MTwallet_2 said:

The Hungry Horse chain (Greene King) is taking part in the scheme but their usual Daily Deals do not apply. It doesn't say that on their website or in the pub I visted. For example the Tuesday Daily Deal is selected big plates for £6 each, two meals £12.

Under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme the same meal is now full price on a Tuesday £10.29, two meals £20.58 less 50% making £10.29. Just giving a heads up so that customers know before they go, it might affect what meal you select from the menu.

Did you point out what it says on the website ?
I would have done so.

I've had issues in 2 places, but both appeared to have trouble understanding rather than deliberate fraudulent use of the scheme.

One place said 50% up to £20, and above that £10, which was correct for a single diner but not for more people.

The employee (quite correctly) refused to not follow her boses instructions, so we put through 2 bills.

There are some not very bright people runinng cafes.

It's too complicated for some of London's cafe owners.

There is no point pointing out the real rules if the boss isn't there unfortunately.