Calls from Jersey hospitality bosses to update 'archaic' alcohol licensing law
ITV Channel reporter Emma Volney learns what changes could be introduced to the island
Jersey's alcohol licensing law could be updated, depending on the outcome of a consultation into the matter.
The law dates back to 1974 and subjects hospitality businesses to bureaucracy and red tape controlled - not by elected politicians - but by the Royal Court.
It also prevents promotions on alcoholic drinks, such as two-for-ones and 'happy hours', and sets strict rules about opening hours.
The news of a consultation on the law follows the closure of a number of clubs in recent months, including Havana, Ce Soir and RoJo.
What is the current law in Jersey?
The sale of alcohol is governed by the Licensing Jersey Law 1974 which means:
There is a ban on promotions such as happy hours and two-for-one offers by pubs, but not for off-licences.
Pubs must close at 11:00pm and clubs must shut their doors at 2:00am.
Public events must have permission from the Bailiff via a public entertainment permit.
Lindsay Ash, a former assistant treasury minister, says: "Considering we are a capitalist society and Jersey is a finance centre, to have such a non-competitive environment just defies logic.
"It's £7 or £6 for a pint; no wonder people don't go out."
He adds: "The town generally isn't as busy, people shop on the Internet, people don't have money in their pockets.
"But also if people don't have money in their pockets anyway, but the costs are going up, then there is only one way businesses will go and that's downwards.
"I hope they will at least allow competition, certainly leading up to Christmas when people can go out from 5pm onwards and we can say drinks are half price."
Marcus Calvani, of the Jersey Hospitality Association also believes the current laws are "holding back" the industry and "limiting the creativity" of new businesses.
However, news of a consultation has given him hope for the future.
He told ITV News: "They are being extremely open about it. It looks really really positive.
"We have sat down with Public Health and the Treasury and discussed how can we make it more affordable to go out [and] how can we make it a better place to live whilst also making it better to trade as well."
ITV Channel spoke to islanders in Jersey for their views on the island's nightlife
It's not just hospitality businesses calling for modification to the rules, but also bands, food businesses and taxi drivers.
Adam True, singer and guitarist in the band 88 Bunkface, says: "We are really stuck in the past when it comes to alcohol promotions and the hospitality trade over here is hindered at every possible opportunity.
"We know it is still a priority for people to enjoy themselves, but there is so much more to be done."
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