Stick to rules on live music, venues warned

Friday 04 September 2020

Venues are being reminded to follow covid guidelines amid concerns that live gigs could be causing distancing issues.

While events for more than 40 people are officially off the cards, more than 200 people reportedly gathered to see a band at the weekend at one island pub.

An attendee told Express that there appeared to be little adherence to physical distancing, with people also ordering and drinking at the bar rather than while seated, as well as dancing and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to see the act.

This week, the Government updated its covid-related guidelines for gatherings and events, which maintained the 40-person limit. Any proprietor or organiser must also ensure that music is kept to a “low level” to avoid encouraging shouting or singing, which are proven transmission risks.

Pictured: JHA CEO Simon Soar said that the continuation of the 40-person limit was a "blow" but "inevitable".

Simon Soar, Chief Executive Officer of the Jersey Hospitality Association, said that the continuation of the 40-person limit was a “blow” to the industry but inevitable given the spike in cases elsewhere. 

“This has been an exceptionally difficult period for everyone and from the very start, we as an association have stressed to our members the importance of following the latest guidance from the Government and relevant health authorities.

“Our members have been kept up to date on all the measures that must be in place and with over 40,000 visitors and only a handful of cases since the borders re-opened in July, it’s clear that those are being followed by our venues and attractions.

“The JHA is working in partnership with the Government of Jersey and Visit Jersey to promote the Visit Safe scheme which is a single set of guidelines for businesses to follow to prevent the spread of covid-19, providing the reassurance that visitors and islanders need.”

This week’s updated guidance from the Government also states that events should not deliberately attract off-Island visitors and should not be promoted to off-Island visitors.

Pictured: Currently, a hotel restaurant can have music until 01:00, but a pub serving food cannot not.

It adds that concurrent but separate events can occur at the same outdoor venue, such as two football matches at Les Quennevais, but there cannot be any movement of people between the two events.

But the guidelines failed to address a “loophole” in the licensing laws around pubs being allowed to stay open beyond 23:00.

Randalls Managing Director Gavin Reid said: “We don’t have live music in any of our venues as it is too difficult to control but we do take issue with the loophole that prevents us having entertainment, such as DJ playing background while people are sat down to eat, until 01:00, but allows hotels to do just that.

"It doesn’t appear to make any sense at all.”

In July, the Solicitor-General wrote to all licence holders to remind them of their obligations after reports that some were flouting the rules.