Brighton Pier Group receives £1.4m business insurance pay-out

The Brighton Pier Group has received £1.4m from its insurers to cover business interruption losses related to Covid-19.

The company, which operates Brighton’s Palace Pier as well as 12 bars and eight indoor mini-golf courses nationwide, has lodged claims related to the enforced closure of its venues.

It said that while the payments do not meet the entirety of its claims, they are enough to ensure its overall liquidity remains strong.

Brighton Pier Group was covered by the ‘Marsh resilience’ insurance policy wording, which the High Court ruled in September should pay out in response to Covid-19 claims. This decision was unaffected by the later Supreme Court ruling.

Anne Ackord, chief executive of Brighton Pier Group, said: ”While business interruption insurance is welcome, and the roll-out of the vaccination programme provides a route back to normality, we are keen for the government to announce a recovery roadmap for the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“If businesses in the night-time economy continue to be subject to restrictions after the end of lockdown, the government needs to recognise that further ongoing financial support will be required."

Numerous businesses have told The Caterer they are still struggling to secure insurance payouts for Covid-19 disruption, even if their policies were included in the court rulings.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has raised concerns the government has “turned its back” on businesses ahead of the lease forfeiture moratorium ending next month, with 88% of nightclubs owing more than two-quarters’ worth of rent.