Registration is now open for the government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which will give diners 50% off meals out in August.
Restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars can sign up now to take part in the programme, which was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week.
The discount will be available on dine-in meals from Monday to Wednesday throughout August, up to a maximum value of £10 per person, per visit.
Diners will be able to search for participating restaurants through a website tool that will be made public before the scheme launches on August 3.
While it's been described as a food voucher scheme, customers will not need to present a voucher or code to redeem the discount - participating establishments will simply deduct it from their bill.
Businesses will then be able to claim the money back from the government through an online service supported by HM Revenue and Customs.
Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be reimbursed within five working days.
The offer is applicable only to food and non-alcoholic drinks, which has sparked criticism that it does little to help traditional 'wet-led' pubs.
Takeaways, mobile food vans, catering services for private functions and hotels offering room service only, will also not be able to take advantage of the scheme.
Eligible businesses must:
- Sell food for immediate consumption on the premises
- Provide their own dining area or share a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals
- Have registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before July 7
Business owners can register for the scheme via the Government website, where promotional posters, social media logos and other tools can also be downloaded.
Mr Sunak said: "Restaurants and other eligible establishments are now able to support jobs by signing up to a place on the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
"HMRC’s quick and easy registration page will soon have you on your way to welcoming back your customers with discounted dining on every Monday to Wednesday throughout August, with a simple process to reclaim these discounts back from the Government each week."
Jim Harra, chief executive and first permanent secretary of HMRC, said: "The hospitality industry is among the sectors worst affected by COVID-19.
"The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme will deliver support to more than 100,000 businesses, including restaurants, cafes and bars serving food and drink, helping to protect 1.8 million jobs across the UK.
"Registering is easy, and we urge businesses to sign up early so they are ready to use the scheme when it starts on 3 August.
"Businesses have made great efforts to re-open their sit-down services safely in line with social distancing guidance, so people can feel confident to dine out again."
