Select a region
Licensing powers could be transferred from the Bailiff's office to a new regulatory body under the Economic Development Minister's latest proposals to update the "outdated" and "cumbersome" legislation governing public events.
In a letter to the Economic and International Affairs Panel earlier this week, Deputy Kirsten Morel outlined a timeline for developing new primary legislation to replace the Unlawful Public Entertainments Regulations of 1992.
The Minister aims to implement the new law by early 2026, with accompanying regulations to follow.
The current system requires all public events to obtain permission from the Bailiff.
The Bailiff's Public Entertainment Panel, comprising representatives from law enforcement and health and safety services, assesses event plans and evaluates potential risks before granting permission.
This process, which can take up to six months, has been widely criticised for creating barriers to business in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Pictured: Jersey Hospitality Association Co-CEOs Marcus and Ana Calvani criticised the current regulations as "cumbersome and clunky”.
In July, the Jersey Hospitality Association slammed the current rules governing events as "cumbersome and clunky", while the Economic Development Minister himself described them as "anachronistic" during a States Sitting in May.
After reviewing these rules, the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel called for clearer definitions of public events, more accessible guidelines for event organisers, and more proportionate penalties for breaches.
Former Bailiff Philip Bailhache – now a serving Deputy – said that it was "absurd" the law requiring events to be assessed and approved by the Bailiff's office was still yet to be updated, despite this being a "policy aim for decades”.
Deputy Morel's proposed overhaul aims to address these longstanding concerns.
Key changes outlined in his recent letter include establishing a clear definition of "public entertainment" based on UK legislation, revising penalties for breaches by moving from indefinite fees to fixed maximum penalties, and potentially transferring licensing powers from the Bailiff's office to a new regulatory body.
Pictured: The Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel has reviewed the legislation governing public events.
The proposed changes are part of a broader 'Sector Development Plan' aimed at creating an efficient and effective regulatory environment that is easier for event organisers to navigate.
The plan also seeks to attract major sports, cultural, and business events to the island, with the goal of creating a more cohesive events calendar featuring "a vibrant and year-round programme of events".
Deputy Morel's proposed timeline includes:
The Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel, chaired by Deputy Montfort Tadier, has pledged to "hold the Minister to account" on his commitment to bring forward the new legislation.
Could more events in public parks get the green light?
Call for digital system to streamline event approval process
Déjà-vu? Happy hours could return as updates to outdated alcohol law promised
Gov pledges to update "anachronistic" public events law
FOCUS: Another round? Hopes that promises to update Jersey's alcohol law won't run dry
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.