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3.2 Deputy J.A. Martin of the Minister for Economic Development regarding the opening hours of licensed premises during the World Cup:
What consideration, if any, has been given in relation to licensed premises and opening hours during this year's World Cup?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development):
I, like the Deputy , am a keen sports fan and therefore thank her for her question. Due to the difference in time zones some of the games for the forthcoming World Cup in Brazil will take place outside of existing licensing hours. Having consulted with the Bailiff , it has been agreed that pubs that wish to stay open to show the matches should apply for a permit through the Bailiff 's Office under Article 89 of the Licensing Law. It is important that we give pubs the opportunity to remain open for what is the most popular sporting event in the world, bar the rugby perhaps. [Laughter] The permit system has worked well in the past for other major sporting events and by working with the Bailiff extended opening can be managed in a safe and controlled manner. We understand that the Bailiff is consulting with the Parishes and Home Affairs about the plan to permit extended licensing hours. The Bailiff 's Chambers will be issuing further instructions on how and when licensed premises can apply for an extension permit in due course.
3.2.1. Deputy J.A. Martin:
That is good news. Supplementary to that, it did seem to some of the licensees that I was listening to on the radio this morning that it was news to them, so again back foot on the consultation. But my question is under Article 89 does this mean that if licensees apply they will have to apply for every individual game or will that cover the duration if they want to open when a match is on during the World Cup?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
My understanding is they can apply for the matches that they wish to remain open for and therefore can remain open. I believe there are in the first phase of games 10 matches that start beyond the licensing hours as they currently are at the moment.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Will the Minister be referring to the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority the price of the tee-shirts for the World Cup; £90?
The Bailiff :
Good try, Deputy . [Laughter] Even I see difficulty in there being any connection with the question.
- Connétable P.J. Rondel of St. John :
Given the Minister's joy of this possibly going to happen, has he given consideration to these which are being held in the early hours of the morning, the effect that will have on the neighbours within the vicinity of those public houses?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
Clearly when we first started to look at this matter Home Affairs quite understandably and the police and a number of other interested authorities gave their views and that was the reason why the decision was taken that the most appropriate place for the decision to be made is through the Bailiff and the Bailiff 's Chambers so that matters such as that can be properly and appropriately considered and dealt with as part of the licence arrangements.
- Deputy J.A. Martin:
It is quite concerning the Minister says the first 10 games will be covered. It is this individual licensing for every match that I have a problem with. I would have preferred if the Minister had brought, like he did at the Royal Wedding, where basically everyone has opted in and can choose whether they open. Can this still be done because to me the licensees, and there is a cost to these licences I am presuming, are they going to want to blanket for the 4 weeks when we are supporting the local teams, all the nationalities over here. I really think it is a sledgehammer to crack a nut and we have done it before. Why is the Minister not doing it this time?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
Although I understand the Deputy 's concern, of course the Royal Wedding was just a single event. We are talking about multiple matches here, which makes it slightly more complex. We also have to consider that in the second phase, although the matches start, I believe, at 9.00 p.m. in the evening, we run into difficulties potentially with extra time, penalties and such like. So it is very uncertain what the timeframes are likely to be. The purpose of giving the matter to the Bailiff 's Chambers to consider is that they can apply more appropriately conditions, hopefully make the system simple, which I am sure will be the case, and as far as charges are concerned, that is indeed a matter for the Bailiff 's Chambers, which I am sure will be very reasonable.