Greater Manchester's nighttime economy adviser Sacha Lord has begun legal proceedings against the government over the closure of hospitality venues.
Mr Lord has announced a judicial review began on Tuesday into the legality of implementing emergency restrictions on the hospitality sector - closing pubs and bars not serving food across the region - "without any evidence" it would bring down transmissions of Covid-19.
The legal challenge is being led by Kings Chambers and is supported by organisations including The Night Time Industries Association, 海角视频 Hospitality and various prominent Greater Manchester venues including Alberts Schloss, Gusto and The Alchemist.
It comes after the city region was forced into the 'very high' Tier 3 alert level by the Government on Tuesday, with the news sparking an angry reaction from various business leaders.
Don't miss a thing - sign up for your free North West newsletter - and follow us on LinkedIn
Email newsletters
BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts.
You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss.
Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.
For all the latest stories, views, polls and more - and the news as it breaks - .
Mr Lord said: "I think I speak for all involved in Greater Manchester's night time economy in saying both the Government's handling of these negotiations and the outcome yesterday are not what we had hoped for.
"We understand the public health need but fair financial support is crucial for those most severely affected and at risk of poverty and I am acutely aware of the disappointment felt both from our leaders and across the city region with the Government's decision yesterday.
"I am heartbroken that pubs and bars across Greater Manchester will now be forced to close without any evidence that this will bring transmissions down.
Most Read
"These same operators have worked tirelessly to abide by Government rules from the outset. They have accepted quick-fire lockdowns and spent thousands implementing the Government's own recommended Covid-secure measures."
He said the move will not only cause "severe mental anguish and devastate" operators but will also be detrimental for various businesses such as taxi drivers, performers and suppliers who rely on trade from these venues.
Mr Lord added that it was "inevitable" the move will trigger an increase in household socialising, where transmission is "prevalent".
"Despite our calls, we have not been shown any clear, tangible scientific evidence to merit these closures.
"In fact, the only evidence we have seen is from Public Health England, whose own data has shown hospitality venues attributed to just 3% of Covid transmissions in the past week.
"It is my belief that this new lockdown will recklessly destroy our night time economy.
"Yesterday, we commenced a Judicial Review into the legality of implementing these emergency restrictions on the hospitality sector without scientific evidence. I will update on the progress of this case in due course."
Don’t miss
Mr Lord said on Wednesday a pre-action letter had been filed, and they await a response from Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
He added: "The fight goes on."