Wednesday August 5 | 2020
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Hundreds are giving the town a boost by eating out to help out By Richard Williams HUNDREDS of people have begun taking advantage of the government scheme aimed at breathing new life back into the struggling hospitality industry. More than 100 bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs in Tunbridge Wells have begun offering discounted meals this week as part of the government’s scheme to help the hospitality industry get back on track. Following three months of lockdown, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme began on Monday [August 3], and already more than a hundred establishments within a five mile radius of the town centre have joined in. And customers are already taking advantage of the scheme in their hundreds by eating out to help the town out. The scheme sees customers enjoy a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks – up to a maximum of £10 –
on every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the month of August. Ross Feeney, the Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Together – the town centre management organisation – says the scheme could really help those businesses that had to remain closed during lockdown and are now having to limit capacity.
‘You can support businesses in the town centre that need your custom’ “Many establishments have had to reduce their capacities to comply with social distancing rules, so although they may look busy or be fully booked at the weekend, this is because they have less
tables available,” he said. He added: “The great thing is you can benefit from the scheme as many times as you want to. “You do not need a voucher and you can use it at the same time as other offers and discounts. “There is no minimum spend and the discount will be automatically available to you at participating establishments.” While many people may feel like they cannot afford to eat out at the moment, it is not just restaurants that are taking part in the Eat Out to Help Scheme. “As a result of the lock down and furlough, for many local residents there is little disposable income this summer, but the scheme means you have the opportunity for a cheaper cup of coffee or a slice of cake,” said Mr Feeney. He continued: “Just as importantly you
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