Licensing Law Review

Chamber formed a focus group to respond in detail to the sweeping proposals in the Green Paper. We submitted a 51 page response and are continuing discussions with Government and working with the Jersey Hospitality Association on this very important issue.

 

We consider that the changes in the hours that alcohol can be sold by retailers are completely unworkable and the idea that there should be dedicated tills for the sale of alcohol is completely impracticable and will add large costs to business. There are very detailed procedures in place at retailers to cover underage and proxy sales of alcohol and staff training in this area is intensive. There are laws which are not enforced fully at the present time and new laws will only complicate the position. Alcohol is a legal product and the suggestion that people under the age of twenty-one cannot purchase alcohol from premises holding an off-license, but that eighteen year olds can legally purchase alcohol in an on-license premises is a recipe for chaos.

 

I should also point out that the financial effects which would result from some of the proposals, especially in the hospitality & tourism sectors, would have a detrimental effect on businesses which are already trying to remain competitive in the current economic climate. All States departments should be working together with business to encourage measures to offset the effects of the recession and not impose more costly “red tape”. The economic costs/benefits need to be looked at seriously before any changes are made and we are in discussion with Economic Development as to how this can best be achieved. There must also be very detailed discussions with key stakeholders in the business community before any new legislation is enacted. The current consultation process has not been a sufficient basis for such far reaching changes in the law and it is surprising that the Panel does not appear to even have talked to the business community prior to the publication of the consultation document.

 

Chamber does realise that serious health risks occur as a result of excessive alcohol consumption but it believes that people who drink responsibly do outnumber those who drink irresponsibly and the former should not be penalised because of the behaviour of the latter. Education and parental responsibility is the major issue here. The licensing law is taken extremely seriously by license holders. Better policing of those who flout the law and greater enforcement of current laws would go a long way to tackle the problems outlined in the Paper.

 

The proposals outlined are yet another example of “The Nanny State” mentality being heaped on businesses.

 

Ray Shead