THE Economic Development Minister has confirmed that changes to the Island’s strict ban on happy hours will be included in upcoming amendments to a decades-old law.
Deputy Kirsten Morel said the current “moratorium” on drinks promotions is in the scope of forthcoming planned amendments to the Licensing Law – which are set to come into force in 2026.
And the responsibility for granting these permissions for restaurants and bars will fall to the minister rather than the Royal Court.
Deputy Morel previously said he was considering a range of changes to the sale of alcohol, including drinks promotions, following a review – but this marks his first commitment to an overhaul of the happy-hour rules.
Responding to a written question from Deputy Montfort Tadier, Deputy Morel said: “I can confirm that the current moratorium on drinks promotions is included within the scope of forthcoming amendments planned to the Licensing Law.
“As the prohibition is not explicitly contained within the primary law, this change will be achieved by updating the terms of on-licensed premises and by moving the responsibility for alcohol policy guidance to the minister, and by extension the States Assembly, rather than the Royal Court.”
The government has seen numerous appeals over the past two decades to update laws governing Jersey’s approach to alcohol, and to ease restrictions on alcohol promotions like two-for-one deals.
However, despite extensive consultation and repeated promises of action by successive governments, progress in modernising the 1974 law has been slow and has led to frustration within the industry.
The latest blow came last month when Deputy Morel revealed that changes to the legislation are unlikely until 2026.
Despite consultations and reports produced by previous governments, and price promotions being approved by the States in 2020, Deputy Morel said another review was necessary due to the “difficult and deeply complex” nature of updating legislation.
