Restaurants in the district had a mixed response to the Chancellor’s announcements today to help the hospitality sector. One restaurant owner said she was “very pleased” but others were cautious.
Rishi Sunak’s announcements included a 6 month reduction in VAT to 5%. The ‘eat out to help out’ scheme was also introduced to give diners a 50% discount on Monday and Wednesday in participating restaurants and cafes.
Restaurants were grateful for the additional help but wanted to see how the measures would be introduced. These announcements are hoped to encourage people to return to eating out.
Sarah Hinchliff, owner of Drum and Monkey restaurant in Harrogate said:
“I am very pleased with what has been announced. It’s increased my confidence. We are still going to be here but it’s been difficult, anything that helps to bring people back in is great. It’s been a difficult week but it’s bolstered how I am feeling it just going to take time for people to return. It will help us immensely.”
Nicole Mangan, general manager at Farmhouse restaurant Harrogate:
“The devil is in the detail, the reduction in VAT is fantastic. We expected that as a way to help businesses stay open. The discount is great but we’re closed Monday and Tuesday normally so it may be something we look at to see if we open. It could really help us on quieter days, £20 is essentially a main and dessert which could encourage people to come to us if they know they can get all of that for £10. We need to see more details before we get our hopes up I think.”
The Chancellor’s announcements are in an effort to encourage people to return to eating out.
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Margaret Ninness, owner of The Willow Restaurant in Pateley Bridge:
“I’ve recently changed my business to make it smaller so I no longer pay VAT, but for those still registered this would be fantastic. The ‘eat in’ scheme would be fine for me but if you’re waiting to get the money back with a tight budget it could be difficult. But I do think they’re doing their best and they are helping everyone.”
Harrogate was busy over the weekend as restaurants and pubs reopened for the first time in three months. Sandra Doherty, Chief Executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The Chancellor’s statement will be welcomed by many businesses in Harrogate, in particular those in the hospitality sector. Whilst the cut in VAT for food, accommodation and attractions, coupled with the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme are only temporary, I’m sure they will make it more attractive for businesses in the hospitality sector to reopen their doors.”
