Scrutiny to review proposed updates to Jersey’s Alcohol Licensing Law
Scrutiny
20 February 2026
The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel has launched a review of proposed changes to Jersey’s alcohol licensing law to better understand how the process of applying for and holding a license will be improved.Under the proposed new law, put forward by the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development and approved in principle by the Assembly on 22 January 2026, the current Licensing Assembly would be abolished with responsibility for granting licences moving to the Gambling Commission. The Minister has since updated the proposal, via an Amendment, to move that responsibility to the Regulation Directorate instead.
The Panel wants to better understand the practical implications that the proposed Amendment would have on the resources of the department, and governance of the system. It is also keen to understand the cost implications of the scheme as a whole to both the department and local businesses, and how the move would affect the application process.
The Panel also wants to examine the role that the proposed Ministerial Group would have in providing guidance on issues such as opening hours, promotions, pricing and public health.
Deputy Montfort Tadier, Chair of the Panel, said: ‘Some Jersey hospitality businesses have long expressed their frustrations at the amount of ‘red tape’ that is involved in becoming a license holder. There is also a potential problem with the judiciary and the court effectively issuing licences and being involved in alcohol policy. It is clear the officers have spent a considerable amount of time on proposals which have been presented to the States Assembly. However, it became clear during the debate on the principles of the law that Members had concerns about how the proposed mechanism would work in practice. Our Panel will consider the key elements of the original proposal, and the Minister’s amendment, to further clarify that, and to assess whether the proposed law meets its intended purpose. We are aware that Members have lodged additional amendments to the proposed law, but this review will focus on the Minister’s proposals.’
The Panel wants to hear from local businesses, especially those who hold or are considering applying for an alcohol license, about the proposed changes. Members of the public can also share their views with the Panel. Submissions can be made via email ([email protected]) or through the States Assembly website.
Two Public Hearings will be held in the States building on Monday 23 February. The Panel will meet with Comité des Connétables between 11:45am and 12:15pm, followed by the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development and the Regulation Directorate between 4pm and 5pm. Both Hearings will be streamed live on the States Assembly website and on YouTube.
The Panel will present its findings and recommendations to the States Assembly ahead of further debate on the draft Law which is due to take place in March.
More information about the review can be found on the States Assembly website.
