Dirty Martini stands up to RSA and QIC by forming Hospitality Action Group

Law firm Edwin Coe LLP today announced the formation of an action group to start proceedings against RSA and QIC to recover business interruption losses suffered as a result of COVID-19.

Led by CG Restaurants & Bars Limited, the owners of the well-known independent group of cocktail bars Dirty Martini and numerous other bars and restaurants across the UK, the group will focus on recovering an indemnity for the multiple lockdowns that have occurred as a result of the pandemic.

Head of Edwin Coe’s Insurance Group, Roger Franklin, said: “The purpose of this action group is to establish the precedent that the RSA 3 wording, which is underwritten by RSA and QIC Europe Ltd, gives rise to multiple indemnity periods and thus, potentially, responds to all the lockdowns and restrictions experienced by the hospitality sector in 2020.   So far insurers have indemnified their insureds for lockdown one only, but that ignores the reality of the policy wording and the government’s response to increasing cases of Covid-19 throughout 2020.”

This case is one of a number of test cases advanced by the firm in respect of business interruption losses caused by Covid-19.  A further test case against AXA and involving the owners of The Wolseley restaurant is due to be heard at the end of January 2022.

Daniel Coffer, Director of CG Restaurants and Bars, commented: “This has been a horrendous time for the hospitality sector, and it will continue to be difficult in the near future.  Hospitality businesses have had to fight tooth and nail to obtain an indemnity from their insurers, notwithstanding the clear terms of the policies they purchased prior to the pandemic.  The continued effect of the new OMICRON variant only highlights the need for members of the hospitality sector to take action to recover the sums to which they are contractually entitled.  Our claim alone is substantial, and there are others who no doubt have similar sized claims who need the protection that this class action will afford.”

How can we help?
At Edwin Coe LLP we have a team of specialist insurance solicitors acting exclusively on claims for policyholders. We are able to assist in reviewing your policies, advising in relation to their terms and in pursuing claims. Policyholders who have been denied claims from these insurers, and are interested in joining the group should contact Roger Franklin or any member of our Insurance Litigation team.