Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
VAN TO SUE STORMONT OVER LOCKDOWNS
Legend claims no legal basis for move which has wrecked industry
VAN Morrison is set to take Stormont to court in a bid to throw out its live music ban.
The star, who has already penned three songs denouncing lockdowns, wants to see the evidence behind the bar on gigs.
Lawyer Joe Rice said yesterday: “Sir Van is taking this action on behalf of the thousands of musicians, artists, venues and those involved in the live music industry.”
The celebrated singer-songwriter from East Belfast is commencing judicial review proceedings against Stormont regulations that stop live music in indoor licensed premises in Northern Ireland.
Hospitality and entertainment venues are currently closed as part of a six-week
lockdown in the region. When such premises have been allowed to open under less severe restrictions, live music has not been permitted.
Mr Rice said live music had not been defined in the regulations, with effectively a blanket ban imposed on everything from a heavy metal band to a harp soloist.
He added the situation was different in England, where pre-lockdown live music had been permitted under the tiering system after suitable risk assessments.
Mr Rice highlighted the fact that Sir Van himself had performed at the London Palladium last September.
He said his client will argue the ban in Northern Ireland is unsustainable in law and is not based on credible scientific or medical evidence. The 75-year-old musician caused controversy last year when he penned three songs denouncing lockdowns.
Mr Rice has issued pre-action correspondence to Stormont’s Executive Office and the Department of Health.
The letter calls on ministers to make public the medical and scientific basis for the regulation. If the ban is not lifted, Sir Van will seek leave from the High Court in Belfast to challenge the prohibition by way of judicial review.
Mr Rice said: “Many people in the music and arts world in Northern Ireland have been devastated financially, socially and artistically by this complete ban.
“This differs from the law in England and Wales and the evidence behind such a negative decision in this jurisdiction is far from obvious.”