"No DJ sets, please" - bars reminded to stick to covid rules

Thursday 16 July 2020

Pubs, clubs and restaurants have been told to stick to the covid rules after some were found to be flouting them.

Solicitor General Matthew Jowitt has written a letter to all 'on-trade' licence holders to remind them of “the importance of complying with all legislation and government guidance applying to the opening and operation of licenced premises” during the pandemic.

He added that: “Although many licence holders are complying, it has been brought to our attention that some have not been doing so.”

Licence holders have to follow clear rules around the safety of their staff and customers, which were introduced as part of the package of emergency provisions introduced in May.

These can be varied by Ministers, as will happen next week when they decide whether to move to lower the level of lockdown.

Jersey Hospitality Association Chief Executive Simon Soar said: “I’m aware that a few licence-holders have been offered additional advice by the authorities after some lines had become blurred."

Pictured: JHA boss Simon Soar said he was aware some lines had become "blurred".

He explained: “This is mainly where establishments hold multiple category licences - for example, both a bar and a restaurant licence. With the latter, you can open 'til 01:00, but you have to serve food – you can’t stop serving food and let people carry on drinking until closing.

“Also, music can only be in the background - you can’t play a DJ set or have a karaoke night.

"Fortunately, the vast majority of licensees have followed the rule and where a few haven’t, the dialogue with authorities has been constructive and helpful.”   

READ: The Solicitor General's full letter...

“Licensing (Jersey) Law 1974 (the “1974 Law”); opening of licensed premises during Covid-19

I write to remind licence holders, during the Covid-19 pandemic, of the importance of complying with all legislation and government guidance applying to the opening and operation of licenced premises. This includes temporary rules specific to licensed premises and those of a more general nature, in addition to any which ordinarily apply.

In particular, the Covid-19 (Workplace Restrictions) (Jersey) Order 2020 currently provides that food and drink premises (as defined in the Order) are prohibited from being open except for the purpose of selling food or drink for consumption by persons either (a) off the premises or (b) in an area where they are required to be seated. Furthermore, nightclubs and other premises holding a seventh category licence, other than cinemas or theatres, are prohibited from being open except under another licence granted under the 1974 Law. A contravention of that Order by an occupier or operator is an offence punishable by a fine.

More detailed guidance for businesses is available on www.gov.je, and licence holders are reminded that it is their responsibility to keep themselves informed of the legislation and guidance applying at any given time, which are subject to regular change as Jersey moves through the levels of the Safe Exit Framework.

This letter is being sent to the holders of all on-licences. Although many licence holders are complying, it has been brought to our attention that some have not been doing so. Accordingly licence holders are reminded that under Article 9 of the 1974 Law the Attorney General may refer any matter relating to a licence to the Licensing Assembly, which has wide powers including the imposition of licence conditions and the suspension and revocation of licences. The Licensing Assembly also has power to impose financial penalties and to order the payment of legal costs incurred in making such a referral.

A copy of this letter is being sent to the Licensing Assembly, and to both States and Honorary Police.”