Sacha Lord has revealed that the government dropped the ‘substantial meal’ rule for pubs and restaurants from their recent lockdown exit roadmap as a result of his court case.
Under the COVID tier system in 2020, ministers introduced a rule for ‘high risk’ regions that pub customers must order food with their drinks – creating confusion as to what constituted a ‘substantial meal’.
When quizzed on the matter, Michael Gove flip-flopped on whether scotch eggs fell into the ‘starter’ or ‘main’ category, whereas Robert Jenrick claimed a Cornish pasty would qualify if it was ordered alongside chips or a salad.
However, the latest plan to reopen the economy states that hospitality venues can resume trading from April 12 without any item-ordering regulations.
In his address to parliament on February 22, Boris Johnson declared that the “scotch egg debate will be over” and there would be no further confusion as to which dishes justified the accompaniment of an alcoholic drink.
ADVERTISEMENT
On Monday (March 1), the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester revealed the decision not to reimpose the rule came as a direct result of his court case against the government.
Lord called the result a “landmark victory for hospitality”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Lord launched a legal challenge against the government last year, claiming that the sector has been treated unfairly throughout the course of the pandemic.
Previous restrictions have led to the closure of ‘wet’ pubs that could not serve food alongside drinks, with the 10pm curfew also causing issues for late-night venues.
Following examination of the case put forward by Lord and his legal team, judges have ruled “the substantial measure was arguably discriminatory towards certain sections of society.”
ADVERTISEMENT
All court costs recovered are set to be distributed evenly between Hospitality Action and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.
Following the ruling, Lord said that work is ongoing to determine why indoor hospitality is reopening at a later date than shops in 2021.
“We will continue to work on behalf of the night time economy and hospitality sectors to ensure measures imposed are fair to both operators and the public,” he stated.
“Finally, I can confirm my legal team and I are now in discussions regarding the lack of evidence to justify the delay of the reopening of hospitality compared with non-essential retail.”
The Warehouse Project and Parklife founder has been one of the leading voices for hospitality during the pandemic, appearing on multiple media outlets to campaign for fairer rulings for the sector.
Lord added: “If something’s clearly wrong, we shouldn’t just accept rules made by the government.
“They should be challenged.”
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.