Osmond and Lord lose legal challenge

Hugh Osmond and Sacha Lord have lost their legal challenge for a faster reopening of indoor service in England.

Punch Taverns founder Hugh Osmond and Sacha Lord, the night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, have lost their legal challenge for a faster reopening of indoor service in England.

After a lengthy battle to bring the reopening of indoor hospitality forward from 17 May, the High Court ruled in favour of the government.

In a post shared on his LinkedIn profile, Lord says the duo were "disappointed by the outcome", but were pleased with the light that the process has shone on the hospitality industry. 

"Despite the outcome, we will continue to hold the government to account and demand evidence-based decisions, rather than those drafted without detailed analysis or based on bias or whim," says Lord. 

Pubs and bars in England and Wales will be able to provide indoor hospitality from 17 May. While Scotland can already provide indoor service until 8pm, alcohol can only be served outdoors. Northern Ireland will resume indoor trade from 24 May.


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