Courts / Dublin / Report
Pub trade 'much tougher' now than in March, High Court told
Summary
The High Court heard evidence on the fourth day of a test case brought by four pubs against Insurers FBD regarding pandemic-related losses. Stephen Cooney, a director of the Loyola Group which includes the Leopardstown Inn, testified that the hospitality trade has become much tougher since March. He stated that his business suffered immense losses and described FBD's response as a 'wall of silence,' noting that litigation was pursued as a last resort. Cooney denied claims that his business had declined prior to the closure, attributing a pre-closure drop to St Patrick's Day falling on a Tuesday. He argued the FBD policy covered business interruption from disease outbreaks, citing examples like Foot and Mouth. The applicants, including Sinnotts Bar, The Leopardstown Inn, Lemon & Duke, and Sean's Bar, claim FBD breached contract by refusing to indemnify them for closures ordered by the government due to contagious disease outbreaks within 25 miles. FBD disputes this, arguing a pandemic does not fit the policy clause. Counsel for FBD, Remy Farrell SC, noted a media-related issue had been resolved. The hearing was adjourned and continues next week.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pub trade 'much tougher' now than in March, High Court told. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2020-10-09 Publication
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