22 February 2011
The Economic Development Minister, Senator Alan Maclean, is proposing a temporary amendment to Jersey’s Licensing Law that would allow pubs and bars to continue serving customers until 1am during the Royal wedding bank holiday weekend. The proposed amendment would cover the evenings of Friday 29 April 2011 (the day of the Royal wedding) and Saturday 30 April 2011.
The minister will bring regulations to the States to temporarily amend the Licensing (Jersey) Law 1974 to allow Category 1 (Taverners) and Category 2 (Residential) licensed premises to serve alcohol until 1am on the nights in question. The proposed extension to opening hours will not affect other categories of premises covered by the licensing law, such as restaurants and nightclubs, which already have permitted opening times running up to or beyond 1am. Off-licences will also remain unaffected by the regulations.
Senator Maclean said “As the States has decided to grant a day’s holiday for the Royal wedding, it seems appropriate to also give the States an opportunity to debate allowing Islanders to celebrate on the evening of the event.”
The proposed extension is in keeping with the position adopted by the UK Home Office.