RESTAURANT bosses in Bolton say they hope diners will take advantage of a new scheme which offers 50 per cent off food in August.

Scores of eateries across the borough have signed up to Eat Out to Help Out - a government initiative to help kick-start the industry after closures were imposed during the coronavirus crisis.

And as lockdown measures ease, local business owners say getting out safely is important for people's wellbeing, as well as being vital to the town’s hospitality industry.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between August 3 and 31, participating restaurants will offer 50 per cent off food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a total value of £10 per person.

Popular eatery Odessa in Bolton town centre is back open and is starting to serve customers once more.

Owner Alex McVey said: “It is good to be back at work. We are having people who are in the town centre and back working coming in.

READ MORE: Full list of Bolton restaurants offering half price food in August

“We have breakfasts and a big part of our trade is lunchtime. There are still people working from home ­— without our customers we would not be here.”

Given the outside catering side of the business has taken a hit, customers using the discounts for breakfast and lunch is really important.

Alex says customer and staff safety is a priority, with a number o­f social distancing measures being put into place, as well as providing table service and sanitising stations.

No vouchers are needed and the offer can be used at the same time as other offers and discounts ­— with no minimum spend.

Alcoholic drinks and service charges are excluded from the offer.

Businesses will remove the discounted sum from the bill, which they will then be able to reclaim through HMRC’s online service.

The Courthouse is also taking part and has put a number of safety measures in place ­— including disposable menus, using a card to indicate if customers need service.

Husky Faldu, owner of The Courthouse said: “I think the scheme is important to get the hospitality industry back on track. I think it is a really good government scheme to help the industry.

“We can’t hold the functions that we used to and a lot of people are working from home which has affected us at lunchtimes.

“People have been excited to be back ­— they have been saying it has been nice to see people again."

Cllr David Greenhalgh, leader of Bolton Council, encouraged people to continue to follow safety guidance.

He said: “Eat Out Help Out is a fantastic initiative and I'm delighted to see so many restaurants and pubs across the borough taking advantage of the scheme.

“The innovation shown by so many establishments in order to create a safe environment for their customers and give them the confidence to return, is wonderful. Creating that safe and confident experience is essential as we move forward.

“There is no room for complacency. Both customers and establishments have a responsibility to follow the guidance. There’ll be some fantastic offers out there, enjoy this great initiative, but don’t take risks, stay safe and behave responsibly in order to protect yourself and others.”