French restaurateur wins case against insurer in 'landmark' decision

French restaurateur Stéphane Manigold has won a court case against insurer Axa France to cover losses incurred due to the Covid-19 outbreak, in what is being called a landmark ruling.

Paris Commercial Court ruled in favour of Manigold, who is behind four Paris restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Maison Rostang.

Axa France had argued that the closure of the restaurants as part of a public health measure would not trigger a valid claim, The Telegraph reports.

However, the court disagreed, ordering an initial payment of €45,000, while the extent of the businesses losses are calculated.

Manigold described the win as a “great moment for all bosses of small and large businesses that are suffering, who’ve got one knee on the ground”.

Axa France has said it will appeal the decision.