Courts / Dublin / Report

FBD won't appeal landmark ruling over Covid compensation for pubs

Date
2021-02-17
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a High Court decision, Mr Justice Denis McDonald ruled that FBD Insurance's policies cover losses suffered by pubs that closed due to Covid‑19, overturning the insurer's earlier refusal to indemnify four test cases. The four pubs – Aberken (Sinnotts Bar), Hyper Trust Ltd (The Leopardstown Inn), Inn on Hibernian Way Ltd (Lemon & Duke) and Leinster Overview Concepts Ltd (Sean's Bar) – argued that their policies included a clause indemnifying them when closures were caused by outbreaks within 25 miles. FBD contended that the closures were not linked to such outbreaks and that it never insured against pandemics. The judge rejected FBD's interpretation, stating that coverage is not lost when closures are prompted by nationwide outbreaks. The parties remain in discussion over the quantum of payouts, with the court scheduled to address outstanding issues on 26 February. FBD has announced it will not appeal the ruling.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: FBD won't appeal landmark ruling over Covid compensation for pubs. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Hibernian Way

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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