Who in Northampton can sign up for Government's 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme?

Northampton's restaurants and dining-out businesses can now sign up for the Government's 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme.

Any businesses that serve food for consumption on the premises will be able to offer a 50 per cent discount - up to a maximum of £10 per person - to all customers throughout August before reclaiming the bill from the Government.

The plan extends to venues like hotels, leisure centres and office canteens, and was announced in a bid to encourage the country to visit their favourite restaurants again following the lockdown.

More than 32,000 restaurants across the UK have reportedly signed up to the scheme already. Customers will be able to spot which businesses are signed up by a logo sticker in the window that will be sent out this week.

Abdul Ahad, owner of Northampton's Bombay Palace restaurant in Welford Road, told the Chronicle & Echo he signed up for the plan as soon as he could.

He said: "I think it should make a good few more people to come in. As soon as I heard it on the TV I said I would give it a go and see what happens.

"We reopened for dining-in customers on July 4. That first weekend was very, very busy but since then it's slowed down, especially on weekdays.

"It's quite a generous offer. If customers get 50 per cent off we hope people will come to visit."

Customers will not need a voucher as participating establishments will deduct the discount from their bill, and reclaim the discounted amount through an online service.

Claims will reportedly be made on a weekly basis and should be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

Registered outlets will be listed on a new online Restaurant Finder which will reportedly be available soon on GOV.UK.

Further information for businesses, including how to register and make a claim, is available online.