The people behind a shop local app have launched an Eat Out to Help Out service linking diners to discounts.
LoyalFree, which has been backed by business improvement districts in towns and cities around the UK, has added a service showcasing which restaurants, bars and pubs inn an area have joined the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
It currently covers eight towns and cities, including Loughborough, Bristol and Rochdale, with more to follow.
The Eat Out to Help Out initiative has been designed to encourage people to support the high street.
It provides a 50 per cent discount on food and soft drinks of up to £10 per person during Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August.
The sector has been devastated by the pandemic, with many business owners struggling to break even as diners stay at home.
In Leicestershire, where the team behind the app is based, the problem has been made worse with the extended lockdown.
LoyalFree co-founder Sophie Hainsworth said: “Whilst the high street is recovering, it is crucial for us to adapt our technology to allow the public to support local businesses whilst staying safe at the same time.
“We are delighted to be able to support the Government initiative with our platform in a way which gives the user the option to find participating businesses across their local areas with the touch of a button.’’
Sophie originally launched the app with Jason Nesbitt to boost footfall at member businesses while enabling those businesses to reward regular customers with discounts, freebies or exclusive special offers.
Users can collect loyalty stamps on their phone for products ranging from ales to vapes, cards, candles, sausages and even tarot readings.
Jason and Sophie have promoted the technology to even more local businesses during the coronavirus disruption.
The free app is currently available in 25 towns and cities, and has won support of more than 20 business improvement districts including ones in Loughborough, Oxted, Bristol and Leicester.
App users can now access details of which businesses are taking part in the Help Out to Eat Out scheme in a town or city.
They can be viewed in a list or on a map and also give users extra information about the businesses including social media links, photos and other offers.
As of last week more than 32,000 businesses have signed up to the Government scheme.
