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It could be easier to host events in public parks in future as part of a broader overhaul of the complex regulations surrounding public entertainment, if suggestions from a backbencher are adopted by the Economic Development Minister.
During an Economic Affairs Scrutiny hearing on Thursday morning, Deputy Kirsten Morel suggested he would be open to granting ongoing permission for specific public spaces that are frequently used to host events.
Under the 1992 Unlawful Public Entertainments Regulations, it is illegal to hold public entertainment in Jersey without the Bailiff's permission.
The existing system involves the Bailiff's Public Entertainment Panel assessing event plans and evaluating risks before granting permission.
Organisers must submit detailed business plans to the panel including information on artists, logistics, deposits, and safety protocols.
However, the current approval process can take up to six months, with organisers needing to apply for each individual event in a public space.
Pictured: Event organisers could soon find it easier to host events in public parks, thanks to potential changes to the regulations governing public entertainment.
Event organisers and industry representatives have criticised this lengthy process as a barrier to growth and innovation in the events sector.
JP Anquetil, owner of ROJO nightclub, previously suggested that the current panel's preference for "tried and tested" venues could stifle creativity in the industry.
Organisers say the uncertainty creates financial insecurity for them and makes them less likely to explore new, innovative locations.
Deputy Morel said he is committed to updating to these regulations to make life easier for event organisers, as part of his ongoing work to remove barriers to business.
Responding to questions from Deputy Montfort Tadier last week, the Minister said he would consider granting permanent or rolling licences for areas like the Weighbridge, People's Park, and Howard Davis Park.
The aim would be to reduce bureaucracy, with a permanent licence allowing events in a specific public space without separate approvals each time. A rolling licence would be similar, but might have a renewal period and continue automatically unless revoked.
However, as the Minister pointed out, the approach also presents challenges in terms of ensuring public safety across different types and sizes of events.
While established venues like Parish Halls with annual entertainment permits have established safety policies, open public spaces lack inherent restrictions which makes the process of blanket licensing more complex, according to the Minister.
The Jersey Hospitality Association has been vocal about the need for reform as they feel that growth in the events sector and visitor economy is hindered by existing regulations.
Describing current processes as "cumbersome and clunky", JHA Co-CEO Marcus Calvani last week called for the process to be digitised, allowing organisers to easily check if they've met all requirements for event approval.
Pictured: Jersey Hospitality Association Co-CEOs Marcus and Ana Calvani.
He suggested a system where organisers input basic information, and the system lists all necessary requirements for hosting an event which would reduce the level of financial insecurity within the current system.
"The reality is, our industry moves pretty fast," said Mr Calvani. "You can't really secure your finances until you get the 'yes'."
Deputy Morel acknowledged the importance of improving the level of certainty for event organisers and reducing approval timeframes where possible.
"Certainty is one of my touchpoints for economic and business thinking in general," he said.
"The greater the certainty of that environment, the easier it is for them to operate."
"I would like to think it would be possible that even the largest events could be approved in a shorter timeframe."
Pictured: The Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel is currently reviewing the legislation governing public events.
When asked if he envisaged "a much more digitised system, an online, streamlined application system telling you exactly what you need to submit", the Minister replied: "Yes."
He said that a digital application process is would help to make the process more accessible, especially to newcomers to the industry.
The proposed changes are part of a broader update to Jersey's events legislation, with new primary legislation aimed to be introduced by the first quarter of 2026.
Deputy Morel stressed that these reforms, along with updates to alcohol licensing laws, are "absolutely of the highest priority".
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