The decision by the High Court that four pub owners are entitled to business interruption compensation from their insurer due to the Covid-19 pandemic is warmly welcomed by the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), the 1,100 publicans who are FBD customers and the wider pub sector.

VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben says: “This High Court decision is the first good news the 1,100 publicans who are FBD customers have received since the crisis began last March. Publicans took out business interruption cover with FBD in good faith and the decision by the insurance company to challenge that cover caused huge distress for our members at a time when they were at their most vulnerable.

“While the full detail of the court’s 214-page decision is still being analysed, we know that publicans with these policies will now be compensated for the losses incurred by the pandemic. A quantum hearing where the amount of compensation will be decided will be held in due course.

“It now follows that other insurance companies should review their business interruption claims and begin a process of working with publicans to ensure adequate compensation is provided for the interruption of their businesses.”