South Shields restaurateur says Eat Out to Help Out scheme extension could create new jobs

The Ocean Road businesses in South Shields say the month-long half-price meal deal has been a huge boost to livelihoods and saved jobs.

Bosses even claim being served seconds would likely lead to more recruitment opportunities for staff, to cope with customer demand.

In some cases, business has jumped fivefold on the days it has operated – Mondays through to Wednesdays.

They have urged ministers to extend the offer, which began on August 3 and ends on Monday, August 31.

Shah Choudhury, 42, owner of Zeera Indian Cuisine, said: “It has been a huge boost to business.

“We’ve had around 250 people coming into the restaurant on each of those days, compared to about 50 usually.

“Business has dropped somewhat at weekends, but all our regulars are instead coming on the days that Eat Out to Help Out is on.

“If it wasn’t for the scheme, it’s entirely possible I would have had to cut some jobs, possibly 50 per cent of people, which I wouldn’t want to do.

“I very much want the government to extend it by another month. If it does, I would recruit more people because we have been so busy.”

Habibur Rahman, 57, owner of Indian Brasserie, said he had three times as many customers on Eat Out to Help Out days – despite having to reduce seat numbers.

He added: “It’s definitely been very beneficial, with up to 150 people, rather than between 30 and 50, coming in on those days.

“When we reopened in July after lockdown, we were struggling badly – the scheme has breathed new life into the business.

“For social distancing, we’ve reduced seats from 72 to 54 – we could have filled even more because demand has been so high.

“Fridays and Saturdays aren’t as busy as they used to be because people want to take advantage of the cheap offers.

“It’s just nice to have customers in. If they come during the deal, they may well want to come back.

“I hope the Government extends the scheme by another month, that would greatly help.”

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