Permission to hold a public event (public entertainment licensing)

​About public events and licensing

Most public events in Jersey will need a public entertainment permit granted by the Bailiff.

However, many venues hold an annual entertainment permit (P.49). You do not need to apply for a separate permit if your event meets the terms of the venue's existing permit. The venue can be indoor or outdoor.

You can apply for an annual entertainment permit (P.49) from the Bailiff's Chambers.

If you're not sure whether your event needs a permit, contact the Bailiff’s Chambers.

Public events include, for example:

• music and dancing
• films and theatre
• motor sports, boxing, wrestling and equestrian events
• circuses, funfairs and fetes
  
• festival events
  

You should also contact the relevant parish as soon as possible to discuss your event.

Events on a road or public place

You also need to receive permission from the relevant highway authority to hold an event on a road or open public place.

Planning an event on the road or public place

Applying for permission to hold an event

To apply for permission you need to complete the application form and submit an event plan.

Application form for permission to ​hold an event

The event plan should include:

• the type of event
  
• how the event is organised
• a risk assessment, including the measures you'll take to make sure any potential and foreseeable risks are being addressed for those taking part or watching the event
• how you'll lessen any effects that your event may have on other people, such as noise or other nuisance
  
• a site map and event layout
  

The amount of information you need to give in your plan will depend on the type of event. For further guidance contact the Bailiff’s Chambers or see public events: health and safety guidance.

When to make your application

You should submit your application as early as possible before your event takes place. You should provide enough notice so that you can present all your information at the panel meeting that will take place at least 3 months before your proposed event.

We strongly recommend that you allow up to 6 months for complicated events.

Events approval process

Depending on the type of event, the information you give in your event plan may be considered by a panel which meets each month. The purpose of the panel is to advise the Bailiff on community safety matters that may arise from any public events and it acts as a 'one-stop shop' for you so that you don't need to visit each department involved separately.

You'll be invited to come to the first available panel meeting, and the panel will consider your event plan and risk assessment before the meeting. The meeting is an opportunity for you to explain what you're planning, and to answer any questions that the panel may have. You can bring a colleague with you to help explain your plans if you wish.

The panel is made up of representatives from:

• States of Jersey Police
• Jersey Fire and Rescue Service
• Ambulance Service
• Health and Safety Inspectorate
• Public Health Department

The Connétable of the parish in which the event is planned to take place may also be involved.

You'll need to show the panel that some heath or safety standards have been or will be met. For example, the Public Health Department requires that:

• all caterers have a copy of food hygiene and event catering guide, and that they understand and implement this guidance
• a list of caterers is provided ideally 2 weeks before the event so that Public Health can contact them in advance and possibly inspect on the day
• a sufficient number of toilets are provided for the public - the quantity will depend on the number of people attending the event, as well as the time length of the event. See toilet numbers guidance for public events
• although one-off events are unlikely to be covered by the Statutory Nuisances (Jersey) Law 1999, it's recommended that you comply with the Code of Practice on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts
• it's recommended that you send a letter to local residents advising of who to contact out of hours in case of a noise complaint. You should have a complaint process or flow chart in place for complaints you may get, so that they can be recorded, acted on and dealt with appropriately at the time they were received
• if your event involves any petting of animals you must be vigilant in ensuring children and adults can wash their hands afterwards and prior to eating. This can cause serious illness and kidney failure in children. Find further information on the farm safety checklist and preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions
  

The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service will carry out 'during performance' inspections to check on fire safety measures.

If the panel is satisfied that your event can be carried out safely, it'll recommend to the Bailiff to grant you a permit.

When a decision is made

Once the panel has considered your final plans and made its recommendation to the Bailiff, the Bailiff will make a decision within 7 days of the recommendation.

However, organisers are often asked to provide information that was missing from the original plan, and the panel may have to consider your event plan again at another meeting. Give yourself as much time as possible to avoid delays with your application.

If you're granted a permit

If the Bailiff grants you a permit, you'll be asked to submit a cheque payable to the Treasurer of the States and a permit will be issued to you. Details of the charge for occasional permits are available from the Bailiff’s Chambers.

Copies of the permit are sent to the relevant authorities. The Bailiff may attach specific conditions concerning occupancy, noise limits, or anything else which must be observed as a requirement of the permit. The permit is directly relevant to the detail and content of the agreed event plan.

Selling alcohol at your event

Alcohol can only be sold by a person authorised to do so under the Licensing (Jersey) Law 1974.

For events on unlicensed premises you'll need to contact an existing licence holder. They'll have to apply for a liquor licence transfer for the event. Contact the Bailiff’s Chambers for further information.

Liquor licence transfer application form

Busking

To apply to busk, you must collect a form from the Jersey Arts Centre in Phillips Street and arrange a brief audition. If successful, the Arts Centre will forward your application to the Bailiff’s Chambers and you will be issued with the relevant permit. There is an administrative fee.

For further details see busking on Jersey Arts Centre.