High Court Defers Judgement In Covid Dispute Between Westmeath Pub And Insurer

Thursday, 14 January 2021 14:12

The Athlone bar is among four seeking covid-19 related losses.

The High Court has agreed to a short deferral of its judgement in a dispute between a Westmeath pub and its insurer over compensation for Covid-19 related losses.

The decision could have a major knock-on effect for over a thousand other publicans awaiting the ruling.

Sean’s Bar in Athlone, and three Dublin pubs: The Leopardstown Inn, Lemon & Duke and Sinnotts; are seeking compensation from FBD Insurance for what they claim are “consequential and ongoing losses” arising out of imposed closures due to Covid-19.

FBD claims they’re not covered under its Business Interruption insurance. They argue that it only covers local outbreaks, and not national pandemics.

At the outset of a lengthy hearing last year, the barrister for the Dublin pubs said the outcome could be the difference between his clients being able to stay in business, or not.

A judgement was due to be delivered this week but with similar issues likely to be addressed in a UK Supreme Court judgement, due tomorrow, it has been decided to defer the Irish decision until next month to give both sides a chance to make further submissions.