From Belfast to Manchester, diners feast on 'eat out to help out' discount

Relieved business owners tell of surge in bookings – although not everyone wants to sign up to chancellor’s scheme

• Sales went berserk! Eat out scheme serves up much-needed help

The government-backed Eat out to help out scheme launched at 72,000 venues on Monday, aiming to boost consumer spending and protect 1.8 million jobs in the UK’s restaurants, cafes and pubs. It runs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August and offers a 50% discount on food and drink, capped at £10 a head.

So how are consumers reacting so far? The Guardian asked business owners in Manchester and Belfast:

Azzurri Group (includes Ask Italian and Zizzi) 1,200 jobs lost and 75 restaurants closed ahead of sale to private equity firm

Related: Chancellor's 'eat out to help out' plan: how to get value for money