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Nightclub owner challenges 10pm Covid curfew
Jeremy Joseph says the restriction 'does the opposite of protecting people by pushing them onto the street at the same time'
October 7, 2020 16:37
Jeremy Joseph says the restriction 'does the opposite of protecting people by pushing them onto the street at the same time'
October 7, 2020 16:37The owner of a popular Soho nightclub is launching a legal challenge to the Government’s 10pm curfew on bars and restaurants.
Jeremy Joseph, who is Jewish and owns G-A-Y, is seeking to overturn the hospitality curfew.
The restrictions were introduced late last month amid a surge in new infections but have been attacked by businesses in the sector badly hit by the pandemic.
Mr Joseph, who also owns three other venues in London and Manchester, said the restriction “makes absolutely no sense” and “does the opposite of protecting people by pushing them onto the street at the same time.”
“They are going from being safe inside venues with staggered closing times to unsafe on overcrowded streets and overloaded public transport,” he added.
Mr Joseph said the sector has “years of operational experience of keeping customers safe” and spent “substantial time and effort” in keeping venues Covid-19 secure.
His legal team contacted health secretary Matt Hancock this week with a formal challenge to the restriction.
A government spokesperson said the measures “strike a balance between saving lives” and protecting schools and the economy.
"The latest data suggests a considerable rise in the infection rate following people socialising in hospitality venues serving alcohol in recent weeks, so we have taken immediate action to cut the transmission rate and save lives and will keep all measures under constant review.
"The 10pm closure allows people to continue to socialise while reducing the risk of failing to socially distance."