27 February 2018
To mark the wedding of Prince Henry and Meghan Markle on 19 May 2018, the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Connétable Steve Pallett, has proposed to temporarily extend the opening hours for pubs and bars on 18 and 19 May 2018.
The temporary amendment to the Licensing (Jersey) Law 1974 would allow pubs and bars to continue serving customers for an extra two hours on 18 and 19 May. Such premises could therefore remain open until 1am the following morning. This would broadly align Jersey with the position that has been proposed for England and Wales.
The Assistant Minister is bringing Regulations to the States to temporarily amend the Licensing Law to allow Category 1 (Taverners) licensed premises to serve alcohol until 1am on the nights in question. The proposed extension to opening hours will not affect other categories of on-licensed 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.
Connétable Pallett said: “I believe the consultation that was recently carried out by the UK Government is likely to support extending licensing hours on these nights. It is only right that Islanders be afforded the same opportunity to celebrate the royal wedding by this limited extension to pub opening hours. I am therefore lodging these Regulations at this stage so that the States can debate whether they support such a move prior to the election period. This will provide certainty to this sector of the hospitality industry, so that they can plan in advance for this special occasion.”
The proposition is available on the States Assembly website.
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