Sunderland diners have their say on future of Eat Out to Help Out scheme
As some businesses call for the Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme to be extended, we asked Sunderland’s diners for their views on the offer.
The Government incentive, which launched on Monday, August 3 and is due to end at the end of the month, sees the cost of eat-in meals reduced between Mondays and Wednesdays.
Customers’ meals are reduced to half price, up to the value of £10 per head – not including alcohol.
And with the scheme due to end on Monday, August 31, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on ministers to extend the scheme into September in support of the leisure and hospitality sector.
Here’s how you reacted on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:
Lindsey Lawson: “I've been out a couple of times and both times really busy and not what I expected. It's a great saving but what we're saving now taxpayers will eventually pay for it in the long run!”
Alison Wainman: “Not used it but yes. I know it's been popular in our area, North East, and people's jobs are at stake.”
Shirley Robson: “I think it’s brought the worst out in a lot of customers. Rude, abusive and greedy. A lot of wasted food and deffo a lot of exhausted and stressed staff.”
Victoria Wilkinson: "Deffo, it’s great to help out local businesses we’ve been out three times in two weeks. It’s a little boost for the economy.”
Tony Isles: “Yes because it's doing what it’s suppose to do, persuading people to get out and get on with life and saving jobs as well. Can only be a good thing.”
Sharon Mills: “What do the businesses think? Has it worked well for them or been a nightmare?”
Kat Berry: “September is usually a very quiet period for most retail/catering areas, so a boost would be nice. However Government should put into consideration how restuarants have mostly coped, before making the decision."
Nadia George: “It’s a good thing for the restaurants but not for the tax payer. I don’t think it should be extended. I think it’s done what it intended to do.”
Val Brown: “No. There are many more urgent things to be spending our money on.”