Government 'stalling tactics' fail as Sacha Lord's High Court case expediated

By James McAllister

07-Apr-2021 - Last updated on 07-Apr-2021 at 08:20 GMT

Sacha Lord's legal challenge against the decision not to allow hospitality to reopen for indoor service until five weeks after non-essential retail will be expediated through the courts.

Lord, who is the night time economy advisor for Greater Manchester, confirmed last night (6 April) that the Government's attempts to argue against the expedition of the case - which he called 'a poor stalling tactic' - had failed.

In an update on Twitter, he said: "This afternoon, the Judge ruled AGAINST [the Government] and confirmed our case WILL be expediated."

The challenge, which was launched by Lord last month and is backed by hospitality entrepreneur Hugh Osmond, argues that there is a lack of evidence to justify the delayed reopening of the hospitality sector.

It comes off the back of a previous action by Lord, which forced the Government to drop its ‘substantial meal' rule.

"This again proves, as we did with the substantial meal, that the Government cannot make decisions, unless backed up with evidence," added Lord.

"Both myself and Hugh Osmond are delighted with [the] decision.

"All we ever asked for was fairness and facts.

"[This] is a win for hospitality."

The next phase of the case is due to be heard on 19 April.