Licensing law update delayed for further review

Plans to update Jersey's 50-year-old alcohol licensing law have been delayed.

Under a proposal from the sustainable economic development minister, politicians could replace judges in awarding licences to run pubs and restaurants.

On Thursday, the assembly approved the principles behind this law but did not move to a second reading because members felt the minister needed to review how it would work in practice.

Deputy Kirsten Morel said he accepted the law needed further work but he "really does hope" the assembly supports the proposals.

"After Covid, the hospitality sector can look forward to better days and I really hope that by supporting these principles we are giving a message from this assembly to the hospitality sector that we are behind it," he said.

"We want it to succeed and that we understand how hospitality plays a role... because we all engage with the hospitality sector in a range of different ways."

During the States debate, some members questioned whether larger legal changes were necessary.

Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache - the only politician to vote against the law in principle - challenged the need to move the responsibility for alcohol licensing from the Royal Court to the Jersey Gambling Commission.

He said: "The granting of licences will be much the same, the only difference will be the body that ultimately gives the decision.

"My question is, ultimately, why try to fix something that ain't broke?"

With the law nearly sent back for review without any vote on the principles, other members expressed frustration with the political hold up.

Restaurant-owner Deputy David Warr said: "We need to start somewhere, we need to put a message out there to all those people who are in charge of our economy, all those entrepreneurs, that this assembly is open for business, this island is open for business, and that we can get on and deliver for our industry."

The States will debate the changes again on 24 February.

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