Economic Affairs - Approved Panel Minutes - 19 February 2018

Present

Deputy S.M. Brée, Chairman Deputy D. Johnson , Vice-Chairman

Apologies

Connétable J.E. Le Maistre Connétable M.J. Paddock

Absent

In attendance

Mr M. Orbell, Scrutiny Officer

Ref Back

Agenda matter

Action

Item 4 07.02.18

515/35

1. Licensing Law

The Panel discussed a letter received by the Chairman from the Assistant Chief Minister on behalf of the Shadow Alcohol and Licensing Policy Group (SALPG), dated 15th February. In this it was stated that (contrary to an understanding only recently agreed with the Panel) the SALPG had now decided that it would not be feasible to pursue a joint Amendment with the Panel.

The Panel noted that this letter further undermined members' confidence in the intentions of the SALPG and the department, bearing in mind the very rapid changes of direction recently demonstrated. Since December 2017 their position (as reported to the Panel by the department) had switched between unwavering support for the original Proposition; to accepting the Amendment put forward by Senator P.M. Bailhache for a completely different Licensing Authority model; to retaining the existing Licensing Assembly in line with the Panel's recommendations, and co- operating  on  a  joint  Amendment.  Now  the  department/SALPG  had unilaterally gone back on that understanding and decided to go it alone'. The Assistant Chief Minister's letter confirmed that they would bring an Amendment to their own Proposition to maintain the existing Licensing Assembly. The Panel further noted that this appeared to ignore recent public statements (and a flyer sent to all States Members) from the Jersey Hospitality Association, indicating that they were opposed to the retention of the Assembly and had strong reservations about other aspects of the draft law.

The Panel agreed to ask for an urgent meeting with the Jersey Hospitality Association to better understand their latest comments.

MO