‘Eat Out to Help Out’ aids almost 80 East Antrim businesses

Seventy-nine restaurants signed up to the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme in East Antrim.
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Customers ate their way through 94,000 meals since the government initiative was launched on August 3 in a bid to provide a timely boost for the UK’s hospitality sector which was badly affected during lockdown.

The scheme allowed diners to eat for up to half price, Monday to Wednesday, during August at participating venues until the close of the scheme on August 31.

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In East Antrim, restaurant and cafe owners claimed for discount of £548,000 from the goverment at an average discount of £5.82 per meal.

In South Antrim, 86 participants claimed for 118,000 meals served with discounts amounting to £715,000 at an average discount of £6.04 per meal.

This compares with discounts of £734,000 for 125,000 meals at 95 outlets in North Antrim.

In Northern Ireland overall, 2,207 eateries participated in the scheme, claiming for almost three million meal discounts and £16m discount overall.

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Commenting on the initiative, Bridgene Keeley, director of marketing for the McKeever Hotel Group, which owns Corrs Corner Hotel, Newtownabbey; Dunadry Inn, Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim; Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena and Dillons Hotel, Letterkenny, said: “The ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme was a huge success for the hospitality industry.

“It gave a much-needed boost across our group and helped get people back to full-time hours as well as having a direct and positive effect on the entire supply chain.

“We are so appreciative of the support people gave us during the month of August and hope they will return again to see us soon.”

Retail NI  Chief Executive Glyn Roberts, said: “Many restaurants and businesses will keep the offer going.

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“I think we have already seen that a number of local restaurants are carrying it on throughout the month of September as it has been a great success.

“It has brought support to many struggling businesses and I think it bodes well for the future.”

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Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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