Van Morrison will challenge the Northern Irish government in court over the ‘ban’ on live music in licensed venues due to coronavirus restrictions, his lawyer said on Tuesday.
Attorney Joe Rice said the Northern Irish singer-songwriter, who has issued several protest songs against the Covid-19 rules over the past few months, will ask the Belfast High Court to review the policy.
“We will seek leave for judicial review to challenge the total ban on live music in licensed premises in Northern Ireland,” Rice said. “We do not know of any credible scientific or medical evidence to justify this particular ban … and we are going to challenge it in the Supreme Court.”
The United Kingdom, the country worst hit by Europe by the virus, is struggling with its third and deadliest wave, which is blamed for a new strain that is believed to be highly contagious.
Disillusioned governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are responsible for health policy, have all put in place strict closure measures at various stages of the health crisis.
The Northern Ireland manager in Belfast has introduced regulations banning live music at indoor licensed venues in Northern Ireland.
All hospitality and entertainment venues were closed as part of a six-week lockout, but Morrison is keen to challenge the rules for opening them.
Rice noted that the singer was able to perform in England several times late last year before the British government tightened the rules there.
He said he expected the case to be heard in the Supreme Court within ‘weeks’.
Morrison is taking the action “on behalf of the thousands of musicians, artists, venues and those involved in the live music industry,” Rice said.
The singer sparked controversy during the pandemic and reportedly urged people in August to “fight the sham science” surrounding Covid-19.
A month later, he releases a trio of new tracks at two intervals – called Born To Be Free, As I Walked Out, and No More Lockdown – featuring controversial lyrics.
These include: “No more series of governments / No more fascist bullies / Do not disturb our peace”, as well as “No longer take our freedom / And our God-given rights / Pretend that it is for our safety / when it really is up to slavery is. “