Rishi's dinners won't stop businesses feeling empty by autumn

Eat out to help out saw busy restaurants and extra spending generally, but looming job losses could mean the whole nation tightening its belt

Britain loves a bargain – even, as it turns out, during a global health emergency. Dismissed as a gimmick at first, the government’s eat out to help out scheme has proved hugely popular, dishing up more than 64 million discounted meals so far – equivalent to almost one for every person in the UK – since its launch a month ago.

When the scheme finishes on Monday, chancellor Rishi Sunak, will be able to say that his policy successfully encouraged people back into restaurants, pubs and cafes between Mondays and Wednesdays in August, serving up a much-needed boost to the economy, and to the embattled hospitality sector in particular.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2YN5NOH