Cafes and restaurants in Sidmouth are being encouraged to take advantage of a new scheme from the Government.

The scheme, which has been backed by East Devon District Council, offers diners the opportunity to receive £10 off 'eat in' meals, between Mondays and Wednesdays in August.

It is hoped this scheme will help kick start local economies and help the hospitality and tourism industry.

Businesses can use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme to offer a discount to diners and encourage them to eat at their restaurant.

Businesses can use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme:

-All day, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 31 August 2020

-To offer a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to diners for food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in

-To claim the money back from the government

-There is no limit to the number of times customers can use the offer during the period of the scheme. Your customers cannot get a discount for someone who is not eating or drinking.

-Alcohol and service charges are excluded from the offer.

Registrations will close on 31 August.

You can register if your establishment:

-Sells food for immediate consumption on the premises

-Provides its own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals was registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before 7 July

You cannot register:

-An establishment that only offers takeaway food or drink

-Catering services for private functions

-A hotel that provides room service only

-Dining services (such as packaged dinner cruises)

-Mobile food vans or trailers

If your application is based on dishonest or inaccurate information, your registration will be revoked.

To register, you must have:

-The Government Gateway ID and password for your business (if you do not have one, you can create one when you register)

-The name and address of each establishment to be registered, unless you are registering more than 25

-The UK bank account number and sort code for the business (only provide bank account details where a BACS payment can be accepted)

-The address on your bank account for the business (this is the address on your bank statements)

You may also need your:

-VAT registration number (if applicable)

-Employer PAYE scheme reference number (if applicable)

-Corporation Tax or Self Assessment unique taxpayer reference

If you are registering 25 establishments or less, you must provide the details of each.