Views sought over alcohol licensing law changes

A wine shop with bottles of wine on a shelf and more shelves of wine in the backgroundImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

The proposals are aimed at modernising the existing licensing law

  • Published

Islanders are being asked for their views on a proposed shake-up of the laws governing the sale of alcohol.

Jersey's current licensing law came into force in 1974 and controls who can sell alcohol, where and when it can be sold and any conditions.

It also covers the process of applying for and the granting of licences to sell alcohol.

The consultation aims to gather views on proposed amendments designed to modernise the law and to reduce barriers to business.

The main proposed changes are to:

  • replace the current Licensing Assembly with a dedicated regulatory authority appointed by, and answerable to, the minister, whilst retaining a role for the parishes

  • delegate the responsibilities of a regulatory authority to an existing regulator with the optimal choice being the Jersey Gambling Commission

  • move to three categories of licence, including on-licence, off-licence and a temporary licence

  • introduce the ability to customise terms of each licence on a case-by-case basis, and remove the need for multiple licences on a single premises

  • update the powers for both the police and fire services

  • provide a mechanism for updating the policy on drinks promotion

Deputy Kirsten Morel said the government had already spoken to some departments.

He said: "We have already engaged with particular stakeholders such as health and the hospitality sector, parishes and so on - this is very much aimed at any person who has a view and wants to express that view.

"If you want to run a large event in Jersey and have more than one provider of beverages, the licensing gets quite complex. This would make it much simpler, you have one licence for the whole event and then the event organiser is responsible for all the licensees on the premises."

Public drop-in sessions are being held at the government offices in Union Street from 09:00 to 11:00 GMT on 9 January, and 12:00 to 14:00 on 22 January.

The consultation is open until 26 January 2025.

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