Fylde coast restaurants hail Eat Out to Help Out scheme but call for second helpings

Eateries that took part said they had seen an increase in customer numbers just when they needed some extra help to make up for lost income caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

The scheme, which ends on Bank Holiday Monday, allowed restaurants to give guests a half-price discount on food up to £10 per person between Monday and Wednesday in a bid to support the 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown earlier this year.

Figures nationally show that restaurants have claimed for more than 64 million discounted meals as Eat Out to Help Out entered its fourth week.

Data from OpenTable shows that during Eat Out to Help Out’s third week the number of customers at UK restaurants was 61 per cent higher than the same days last year on average for Monday to Wednesday.

Some felt the scheme merely shifted customers from other days to Monday Tuesday and Wednesday.

But most felt it was much needed support at a critical time for their businesses.

And the Blackpool based Federation of Small Businesses has called for the Government to carry on the scheme, or at least extend it in areas such as Preston which have been through a second lockdown.

Nico Stefani from Stefanis Pizzeria in Cedar Square Blackpool said: “Of course it was helpful, we’ve had so much demand on days which were probably our quietest even before COVID 19.

“We haven’t really seen a drop on the other days either, but we realise Blackpool’s so much busier than it has been for along time, people cant go on holidays abroad the same right now so we realise we are getting hit with a lot of tourists.

“The biggest downfall of it is taking so many reservations and then people not turning up and not cancelling, we only have five tables so its a big deal for us when we are turning away tables for people to not show, and I’m sure any other restaurants would agree.

“We worry for winter and if the government did the scheme in winter instead of august it might of been more beneficial because this is going to be when the tough times starts for us small, independent businesses.”

Jayne Taylor, operations director at the Villa in Wre Green said they had seen a boost in customer numbers thanks to the scheme.

She said: “The Eat Out To Help Out scheme has worked very well for The Villa Wrea Green. It has rewarded our regular diners and introduced new customers, whom we have seen on many occasions over the past four weeks. We have received a lot of positive feedback that they will return on a regular basis.”

Michael Williams from the Winter Gardens and Blackpool BID said: “From the restaurateurs and café owners that I have spoken to they confirm that it has been a welcome boost to their trade after so many weeks of lockdown.

“Some have suggested that it has reduced business particularly on Thursday and Friday but overall they see it as a success.

“Blackpool BID would support any initiatives that increase footfall into the Town centre and encourage more people to dine out.”

Federation of Small Businesses national chairman Mike Cherry said: “The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been an overwhelming success in getting people back on their high streets and in their town centres.

“We now need to see it extended to continue the critical support that it is providing for small firms as we enter a period of economic make or break.

“Over the past few weeks, the scheme has been hugely welcomed by small businesses and their customers alike. A nationwide one-month extension would go some way to helping many firms which are still only just about managing in this time of crisis.

“Beyond September, the scheme should be reactivated in areas that have gone through local restrictions or lockdowns.

“These remain difficult times for the small business community, with the stress and strains of this crisis continuing to be felt. That’s why we urge everyone to show support for their favourite small firms at every opportunity. We must do all we can to safeguard the futures of the small firms that make up 99 per cent of our small business community.”