A LAW which bans dancing on Good Friday could be thrown out as part of a bid to revamp the Island’s 50-year-old alcohol legislation.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel confirmed that an upcoming review of Jersey’s nightlife industry was set to consider situations that “some people would view as anachronistic”.
Speaking in the States, Deputy Morel said: “If people have objections to dancing on Good Friday, they should make us aware.
“But my stance would be that dancing can take place on any day. Every day is a good day to celebrate with dancing.”
The minister confirmed that work was under way to lodge a series of amendments to the existing licensing law rather than replacing it with new legislation, as was attempted in 2017 but ultimately failed.
The 2017 draft, which was eventually withdrawn, included a controversial recommendation that the Jurat-populated Licensing Bench be replaced by a Licensing Authority composed of seven States Members and three lay people, similar to a Planning Committee.
When asked whether any future Licensing Assembly would not be made up of States Members as was envisaged seven years ago, Deputy Morel said: “So it strikes fear in my heart that States Members would sit on the licensing panel.
“I don’t think politicians should be tasked with awarding licences or not. There are so many dangers around that.”
Deputy Morel confirmed that amendments will be developed through engagement with the industry and were likely to include changes to the licence categories, the Licensing Assembly in the way that that operates, and the regulation of drinks promotions.
