Sacha Lord ‘punched and attacked’ over his views on reopening of hospitality sector
Greater Manchester’s night time economy advisor said he was ‘punched and attacked’ in the weekend over his views on the reopening of the hospitality sector.
In a tweet posted on Saturday night, Sacha Lord said: “Sadly. tonight I was punched and attacked regarding my. views on re opening.
“I’m fine, but Demi is beside herself.
“What sort of a world are we living in?”.
Sadly. tonight i was punched and attacked regarding my. views on re opening.
I'm fine, but Demi is beside herself.
What sort of a world are we living in?
— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) May 15, 2021
The tweet garnered more than 2,000 comments wishing Mr Lord well.
In Sunday afternoon, he posted another tweet pictured with boxer Tyson Fury.
In the update he said: “Thank you so much for all the kind words of support.
“Totally humbled.
“I’ll always speak up for what I believe in and fight for Hospitality.
“I’m just pleased it wasn’t this fella throwing the punches. Onwards.”
Thank you so much for all the kind words of support. Totally humbled.
I’ll always speak up for what I believe in and fight for Hospitality.
I’m just pleased it wasn’t this fella throwing the punches.
Onwards pic.twitter.com/WKUOQ4pG1u
— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) May 16, 2021
The region’s night time economy adviser, alongside Punch Taverns boss Hugh Osmond, had been battling for pubs and restaurants to be able to open inside sooner than the government’s roadmap had allowed.
They have argued that no published scientific evidence has justified the delayed reopening, with non-essential retail allowed to resume trading five weeks sooner than indoor hospitality.
When unveiling the roadmap, Boris Johnson said that decisions would be driven by ‘data, not dates’, but Osmond argued that rates are far better than forecasted and the Government has a chance to ‘get rid of these appalling and severe restrictions once and for all’.
Lord’s legal battles have already successfully seen the ‘discriminatory’ 10pm curfew and the substantial meal rules scrapped.
Mr Lord said at the time: “We are disappointed with the outcome. While this fight has always been an uphill battle, made harder by the Government’s delaying tactics and refusal to mediate, we are pleased that the case has shone a light on the hospitality sector and the unfair and unequal guidance within the recovery roadmap.”
