Eat out to help out

[schafernaker]

DH and I are discussing this and will probably take advantage of it by going to a few local restaurants in August. We have a voucher (a Christmas gift) from one of the local independents for £30. We can’t decide if it is wrong to use this alongside the way out to help out scheme. Should we be paying cash into the business and save this for another occasion? We have 2 young children, August is pretty much the only month we get to go out frequently due to work commitments and childcare being an issue at other points in the year.

We just don’t want to come across as cheeky? Thoughts?

I think the government make up the 50%. So I don’t see it’s cheeky at all, the restaurant won’t lose money. Enjoy your meal!

I'd ask them if they are allowing vouchers under the scheme, leave it up to them but you know they aren't giving you the food for half price, the government pays the other half so they aren't worse off

@lifesalongsong I know that, but the idea is to get cash into the business and we won’t be spending cash... but I guess they’ll get the governments money. Probably over thinking it!

They've had the cash for the voucher for months though and you have to pay in full for your drinks but I'd still check first, nice of you to be thinking of them.

The government is making up the difference, so YANBU to use the voucher

Check with them first as they are an independent restaurant, but I don’t think it should be a problem.

I can see where you’re coming from, but as others have explained the restaurant isn’t worse off by charging the cheaper price in August with this scheme, and they already have the money from your £30 voucher so you’re not being cheeky. Vouchers are basically considered cash to the business.

Many businesses heavily advertised their gift vouchers whilst they were closed during lockdown (to be used after they reopen) for a bit of revenue; it would be poor customer service to ask patrons not to use them now.

I would have thought that the restaurant would still go above and beyond to accommodate you in the hopes that you return in the future and spend more.