Sacha Lord pursues legal challenge to open indoor hospitality in April
Lord is taking his case to High Court after the Government 'failed to introduce any new evidence' to justify why indoor hospitality is reopening later than non-essential retail.
Sacha Lord is persisting in his battle to get indoor hospitality opened on April 12 – confirming his legal team will take the case to High Court after the Government ‘failed to introduce any new evidence’ justifying their lockdown exit roadmap.
Greater Manchester’s Night-Time Economy Adviser has joined forces with Punch Taverns founder Hugh Osmond to take the Government to court over hospitality restrictions – arguing that bars, restaurants and cafes should be allowed to provide indoor service on the same date as non-essential retail reopens.
Under current national lockdown exit plans, the hospitality sector can resume outdoor service from April 12, but must wait until May 17 to welcome customers indoors.
Lord has claimed the Government has been unable to provide evidence for their reasoning behind the roadmap, and said on Wednesday (March 18) he would be “working through the night” to take the case to High Court for a judicial review.
“We have clear, solid evidence, why indoor hospitality, with measures in place, should open at the same time as non essential retail,” stated the Parklife and WHP founder.
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“We are safer, more secure, regulated and licensed. We are gaining momentum across the UK. It makes no sense to keep us shut.
“We’ll prove it.”
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We've just received the Governments response.
They have FAILED to introduce any new evidence as to why indoor hospitality cannot open the same day as non essential retail.
We'll now be working through the night to take our case to the High Court for a Judicial Review.
The Parliamentary Committee seems to agree that @Sacha_Lord and I are right. Hospitality industry has been closed without any supporting evidence for the decision ever having been revealed. @AlexReilley1 pic.twitter.com/nPPso5stwo
Lord previously launched legal action against the Government for its treatment of the hospitality sector, claiming that pubs and bars have been hit with unfair restrictions during the pandemic.
He called it a “landmark victory for hospitality”.
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Lord has spent the past few weeks attempting to force the Government into another u-turn so that venues in England can start serving customers indoors next month.
Fellow campaigner Osmond claimed on Twitter that the “Government’s evidence is shite”.
The hospitality boss added: “Make no mistake, the task to win a case in Court against the Government is tough. Very tough.
“But Sacha Lord already showed that it can be done. So we will push it all the way.”
News
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
Drivers warned of ‘bad habit’ that could land them with £1,000 fines this winter
Emily Sergeant
Drivers are being warned of a ‘bad habit’ on the roads that could seem them hit with hefty fines as winter rolls around.
Once the temperatures drop, and the days get shorter and darker, fog tends to become a more common weather occurrence around this time of year – but an eye-opening new survey has found that most drivers don’t really how to use their fog lights correctly.
According to guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), fog lights should only be used on British roads when visibility drops below 100 metres, yet the new research by eBay has found that 60% of drivers use their fog lights at the wrong times, and what’s more is that one in 10 say they switch on their fog lights when visibility is less than 300 metres.
48% of drivers who took part in the research admitted that they activate full-beam headlights when it’s dark, regardless of oncoming traffic and other road users.
Drivers are being warned of a ‘bad habit’ that could land them with £1,000 fines this winter / Credit: Nabeel Syed (via Unsplash)
The RAC says these stats reveal a ‘worrying trend’ among motorists, and have warned that these habits could actually means drivers are risking fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence.
If the incorrect usage of fog lights wasn’t bad enough as it is, the new research also found that many Brits say they do not stay on-top of regular car maintenance when it comes to car fog lights, either – with just 15% saying they check them every month, and shockingly, 24% stating they’ve never checked them before.
Due to the ongoing issue of headlight glare, in whatever form that may be, The RAC has found that as many as one in four drivers (25%) who find headlights ‘too bright’ are actually driving less as a result.
“Unfortunately for a lot of drivers, the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly-bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort,” explained Rod Dennis, who is the Senior Policy Officer at the RAC.
“While most of us have no choice other than to adapt to driving at night more often as the clocks go back, the fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling.
“At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead, so there’s a balance to be struck.”
The Manc -
18th March 2021 
