G-A-Y Group Proceeds With Judicial Review Of ‘Arbitrary And Nonsensical’ UK Curfews

Empty streets in one of London
Peter Summers/Getty Images – Empty streets in one of London
Police officers are checking that pubs, cafes, restaurants and clubs are shut from 10 p.m. every night.

London-based recreational facilities and services company G-A-Y Group Ltd has asked the UK government to provide scientific evidence that the imposition of the 10 p.m. curfew actually helped prevent the spread of COVID.
“Despite G-A-Y giving an extension of time to reply to our lawyers, the Government has still not provided any evidence to support the 10 p.m. curfew. Instead, they have asked for a full 14 days to come back to us,” the company informs in a press release.
“Our response was clear,” the statement continues, “if this evidence existed [health minister] Matt Hancock would surely have it to hand. Why the ‘dither and delay’?”
The rest of the statement below:
“The fact is the Government have still not provided any justification for a law that is putting customers, businesses and jobs at risk with every passing day.
“Yesterday it was reported in the press that Boris Johnson is planning to shut down hospitality venues in the North from Monday and a ‘traffic light’ system for local lockdowns is likely to be announced in the coming days.
“Even with a ‘green-light,’ hospitality is expected to have to close at 10 p.m. This industry will not survive an ongoing curfew, especially if we are going to be put into more lockdowns, it’s impossible!”
“We want G-A-Y venues to be safe, it’s how we operate. We agree with the other new Covid-secure measures such as track and trace, six person rule, table service and face coverings.
“These are all based on published scientific information but the curfew simply is not and does not work.
“What we are seeing, first-hand, is our customers going from being safe in our venues to unsafe on crowded streets and busy public transport.
“The effect of the curfew actually goes against the Government’s own guidance! 
“We get no staggering, massive cumulative impact, overcrowding of public places and transport hubs – all circumstances in which Covid spreads.
“The curfew is not only thoughtless but threatens lives and likely leads to the increase of Covid contamination. It undermines all the good work being done by our NHS and our hospitality industry.  
“Since the Government will not engage with us, G-A-Y has been left with no choice but to take immediate action to protect hospitality and public safety. 
“Today we have instructed our lawyers to issue judicial review proceedings against the Government to challenge the arbitrary and nonsensical 10 p.m. curfew. We need this government to work to protect hospitality whilst keeping customers safe.”
 
G-A-Y is a long-standing member of the UK’s Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), whose CEO Michael Kill said:
“Our sector has seen the systematic closure of businesses and the loss of thousands of jobs through curfews and restrictions enforced by Government, which have no scientific basis.
“Given the gravity of the decisions being made by Government on restrictions, we had hoped that they may be able to respond and supply clear evidence for the decision to implement the 10pm curfew and further restrictions, but they have been unable to do this.
“This leaves no option for [G-A-Y owner] Jeremy Joseph, G-A-Y and Legal team but to follow through with proceedings.”