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Members of the British hotel sector have launched a legal challenge to the “catastrophic” restrictions facing the industry, which will tighten further in England’s coronavirus hot spots.
The procedure, led by the Night Industries Association (NTIA), comes as the prime minister prepares to announce a new three-level locking system.
The NTIA is seeking judicial review, arguing that there is no evidence to support the suggestion that hospitality venues have contributed to the spread of COVID-19.
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Pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and live music venues have been devastated by the impact of coronavirus restrictions, which will be tightened again in certain regions depending on how severely affected the region is by the pandemic.
At the same time, the government leave subsidy for temporarily laid off workers is coming to an end and will be replaced by new measures to support employment.
NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “The industry has been left with no choice but to legally challenge the government’s so-called ‘common sense’ approach narrative, on the implementation of more restrictions in the north of England.
“These new measures will have a catastrophic impact on night businesses and are further exacerbated by an insufficient financial support package presented by the chancellor in an attempt to sustain businesses during this period.
“This next round of restrictions is hugely disproportionate and unfair, with no scientific basis or correlation with PHE (Public Health England) transmission rates, compared to other key settings.
“The systematic closure of business in the UK should be challenged when there is no clear evidence or reason.”
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Sacha Lord, a night economy adviser for Greater Manchester, said local leaders had not been presented with “any tangible scientific evidence that warrants a complete shutdown” of hospitality in the area.
But culture secretary Oliver Dowden said ministers have “strong evidence to do this.”
He told Sky News: “Evidence shows that there is an increased risk of broadcasts in hospitality settings. There is academic evidence from the United States.”
