A DECISION by politicians to call time on the Island’s “archaic” Licensing Law and replace it with new legislation has been welcomed as “thrilling” news by the hospitality industry.
Members voted overwhelmingly to support the new Alcohol Licensing Law put forward by Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, which replaces legislation dating from 1974.
Under the new law, the Licensing Assembly will be abolished, with oversight passing to the government’s Regulation Directorate, and the establishment of an Alcohol Policy Group issuing guidance on issues such as opening hours, promotions, pricing and public health.
Marcus Calvani co-chief executive of the Jersey Hospitality Association, told the JEP: “I’m thrilled that we have finally seen a vote in favour of change, with a new law that is fit-for-purpose today and will be into the future.
“It’s a responsible law that will remove unnecessary barriers and administrative question marks, will create confidence for investors and make the whole area simpler.”
Deputy Morel had initially proposed that responsibility for licensing would pass to the renamed Alcohol and Gambling Commission, however after feedback from Members the minister said that the Regulation Directorate, which is part of the Environment Department and has worked with the Licensing Assembly since 2020, had “the well-established expertise and relationships necessary to discharge the law”.
A bid by Deputy Philip Bailhache to retain the Licensing Assembly was defeated by 35 votes to 11, while an amendment by the Constables’ Committee that licensing applications be determined by parishes was withdrawn.
Licensed premises will be required to provide free tap water for customers following support for an amendment from Deputy Alex Curtis.
Deputy Morel admitted that previous attempts at change had proved frustrating, adding: “This is something we can be really proud of – we can hold our heads high and say that we understood the need to have modern legislation and managed to achieve this change.”
Deputy Kristina Moore congratulated the minister for being able to bring the new law into place.
“This has been under discussion, with a lot of work behind the scenes, for at least 12 years, if not longer,” she said.
Housing Minister Sam Mézec recalled a number of false starts during his time in the Assembly, saying that he believed the new law would “reduce red tape without compromising on standards”.
The new law was passed by votes of 45-2 and 44-2 during the concluding votes on its second and third readings. Deputy Bailhache and Constable Deidre Mezbourian voted against it, while Constable Marcus Troy abstained.
Mr Calvani, who said said he had been campaigning since 2012 for change to the law, describing it as “archaic”, hailed the “tenacious” commitment of Deputy Morel and his department in getting the new law passed.
