Licensee wins Van Morrison case

Licensee Gary Marlow has won his David-and-Goliath legal battle against rock superstar Van Morrison in the High Court.

However, it could prove to be a costly victory for the west country publican, who has been awarded just one-tenth of the damages he asked for, and also faces a claim for legal costs from the singer.

Mr Marlow had claimed £400,000 in damages after Mr Morrison pulled out of a booking to play the Crown Hotel, in Everleigh, Wiltshire last August.

However, Mr Justice Cresswell ruled that Mr Marlow was entitled to only £40,000, including the £20,000 advance fee paid to Exile, the singer's production company.

Because the award is less than an out-of-court settlement offered by Exile before the case was heard, Mr Morrison is legally entitled to ask for Mr Marlow to pay his legal costs.

The claim included the advance as well as lost profits from tickets, alcohol, food and tobacco and damage to the business's reputation. Mr Marlow said turnover had fallen from £25,000 a month to £7,000.

Morrison and Exile argued that the concert was cancelled when a crucial condition restricting publicity was breached by the pub.

Mr Marlow said afterwards: "I would like to say that I am absolutely thrilled that we have taken on one of the kings of rock and we have won. Unfortunately we didn't get what we should have had but nevertheless we have beaten him."

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Van Morrison case reaches the High Court (2 October 2003)

Pub to sue Irish singer Van Morrison (17 July 2002)