Statement from Noel Anderson, Managing Director of Lemon & Duke
“We are delighted with the outcome of this case. The High Court’s decision represents vindication for Lemon & Duke and the other businesses dependent on the outcome of this action.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, my business partners, fellow publicans and the wider public for their encouragement and support throughout this difficult period. We could not have achieved this outcome without the tremendous faith and understanding shown by our staff during these very testing times where they were understandably concerned about the implications for their livelihoods.
“We would also like to extend our considerable thanks to the Court and to our solicitors, GJ Moloney, in particular Ronan Byrnes who has provided immense assistance in guiding me through this difficult process every step of the way, and our barristers Reg Jackson and Michael Cush.
“It should never have come to this. I specifically had taken out a business interruption policy to protect us against Covid-19 and its potential impact on our business. As the court heard during the trial, this was acknowledged in writing by FBD.
“Yet in order to have our claim settled we were forced to go through 10 months of deep financial uncertainty, significant additional risk in taking this action as well as extensive stress and strain to arrive at an outcome which should have been clear from the outset.
“We would encourage FBD and other insurance providers to reflect on the outcome of this case and where valid business interruption policies exist we hope they will be forthcoming in making payments to the relevant pubs and other businesses impacted as they fight for their survival,” Mr Anderson concluded.
