Sacha Lord to take legal challenge to the High Court

Manchester's night-time economy adviser Sacha Lord is to take his legal challenge to hospitality restrictions to the High Court after a judge agreed there was a case.

His campaign has been given a two-day trial, the date for which is pending. Lord previously described shutting wet-led pubs under higher-tier restrictions as "an attack on our class culture" that disproportionally affected deprived areas.

Lord said: "Following our legal challenge into the fairness of the lockdown measures on the hospitality sector, we were informed yesterday by our legal team that we do have a case at the High Court.

"We will have a two-day hearing to discuss the legality around forcing wet-led pubs to remain shut, while those which serve food can reopen. We believe this is a measure which actively discriminates against the poorest and most disadvantaged sectors in our society.

"We look forward to receiving the court date in due course."

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) said it was a "huge step forward" and the group was "fully behind him in representing the sector".

He added: "The evidence presented clearly highlights the flaws around the requirement for a substantial meal, withdrawal of alcohol service and further inoperable restrictions without scientific evidence, that these measures will directly impact the rates of transmission within these environments"