FOLLOWING the announcement that households will benefit from discount meals The Northern Echo spoke to businesses in the region the scheme will affect.

Yesterday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak launched the new ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ discount in an effort to get customers back into restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Meals eaten at any participating business from Monday to Wednesday during August will be 50 per cent cheaper, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head for everyone.

Businesses can then claim the money back, with the funds in their bank account within five working days.

Pubs and restaurants in the region have welcomed the announcement and encouraged residents to support North-East business.

The Herd and Herb, in Sedgefield, said they were pleased with the announcement and hope working additional days will boost trade.

Spokesperson Rachel Johnson said: “This will fit nicely within our forecasted business plan to open with additional days and hours in August for our restaurant. "We support all of those types of initiatives that encourage spending within the local economy and small businesses.”

Family-run diner, Thames Diner and The Phoenix Club restaurant, in Newton Aycliffe, said the business was facing an uncertain future but hope the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ initiative will bring back customers.

Spokesperson Claire Kennett said: “Our business has suffered greatly, and we’ve had to adapt and overcome many challenges to survive.

“If business continues as it is we may have to consider the future of the diner. So we welcome any positive steps from the Government to boost our trade and get our customers back through the door.

“We have followed the guidelines and all safety measures have been put in place and we’ve seen some customers return, but not enough.”

Santorini Greek Cafe and Restaurant, in Darlington, also welcomed the announcement but thought the discount would only cover food costs.

Head chef/manager Georgios Latousakis said: “It’s a good idea. But I think many establishments are not open for sit down meals. At least we are not at the moment.

“Plus 50 per cent reduction is near the cost of the food if you calculate less seats per restaurant plus more expenses for social distancing measures. So it will be nice if the coupons can be also used in takeaways.

“I think 25 per cent will be viable for the establishments to accept. And how and when these coupons will be paid to the establishments?”

The Pollards Inn, in Bishop Auckland, said the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ discount was a fantastic idea.

A spokesperson said: “I think it’s a fantastic idea, a big help for families to have a treat plus helps pubs and restaurants showcase the efforts they’ve made to make themselves as safe as possible for people to enjoy.”

The Station Hotel, also in Bishop Auckland, said: "It's great idea.

"It helps us business out and gets local people back out into the community."

The Pickled Parson of Sedgefield also praised the idea but said it should be managed correctly.

A spokesperson said: "It seems great, but it would have to be managed correctly for numbers in venues, also cutting costs by up to 50 per cent won’t tally very well with trying to recoup some of our lost earnings and currently, we’re not offering food on those days."