PUBS, bars and restaurants will be able to offer drinks promotions ranging from happy hours to meal deals after a Licensing Assembly decision to remove decades-old restrictions for hospitality venues.
With effect from Friday 30 May, licensed premises will no longer be advised against having discounted prices for certain days/times of the week, or for members of loyalty schemes. Including drinks as part of an entry fee to venues, or as part of a “meal deal”, will also be given the go ahead.
In a representation to the meeting of the Licensing Assembly, chaired by the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, Attorney General Mark Temple said the expectation for licence-holders to operate responsibly would remain a fundamental part of the law.
“I will have little hesitation in referring a licensee to the Assembly if presented with evidence [of] advertising practices or drinks promotions… which encourage, or are likely to encourage, customers to drink to excess,” he stated. Mr Temple conceded that “it could be said that the [previous] guidance goes somewhat beyond preventing the consumption of alcohol to excess, and that arguably it is disproportionate to the objective”.
Marcus Calvani, co-chief executive of the Jersey hospitality Association said: With the on-trade now able to independently manage their business with fewer restrictions and when desired, reduce prices or create offers for their customers, there will be a slightly more level playing field.
“The cost of products and operating won’t reduce, but we hope that the removal of this barrier to business will encourage more Islanders and visitors to go out, enjoy what our industry has to offer, socialise more often in licensed establishments and have some more affordable fun.
“We would urge our members to use this responsibly to benefit their businesses. Guidance of this type can easily be brought back if the rules are abused and those that don’t follow their licence conditions can expect to be dealt with by the authorities.”
See full story in tomorrow’s JEP – subscribe for as little as £1.
