UKHospitality has encouraged businesses in the hospitality sector to adopt the initiative which gives customers a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks (maximum of £10 per diner) from Monday to Wednesday during August.

The survey by UKHospitality found 84% of the businesses planned to take part in the scheme which launched yesterday (3 August). Also over half of the businesses surveyed said they planned to introduce the scheme across all of their venues.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “It is great to see so many businesses embracing the scheme. The chancellor recognised that our sector has been hit the hardest of all and this scheme goes some way to delivering the support vulnerable hospitality businesses need. It is encouraging to see our sector being recognised for its importance and the treasury delivering decisive support quickly.

“It looks like our sector has been quick to adopt the scheme and we have seen examples of innovative menu additions aimed at tempting customers. We hope that the take-up will be just as widespread amongst consumers, as businesses have invested heavily to make their venues Covid-secure.

“Confidence is going to be key to securing the future of our sector and keeping jobs safe. We hope that as many people as possible take this one-off chance to have a fantastic experience at a significant discount and rediscover eating out throughout August.”