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Dear Sirs
I understand you are considering this question as a result of pressure following the recent Jerseylive concert. I WISH TO MOST STRONGLY OBJECT TO ANY SUGGESTION THAT THE POLICING - OR OTHER COSTS - RELATED TO SUCH EVENTS SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
My reasons for this include:
- Only a relatively small part of Jersey's population attend such events.
- I am not convinced it produces any financial benefits for tourism or the island.
- There is in any event a considerable impact on the island, which can be adverse in the case of traffic hold-ups, wear and tear on public property, unsatisfactory behaviour, noise, general upheaval, etc.
- It would set a precedent - how many other events would want free policing? how many other costs
might organisers want the general public to pay for?
Please apply my objections on an island wide basis to every public event, including the Battles of Flowers and Britain.
If any public (financial) support is to be afforded such an event, it must be controlled by the States. They were elected to protect our interests and should make the decision whether an event is so significantly for the benefit of the island that policing or other costs should be subsidised.
If an event cannot survive without a subsidy then perhaps it was not meant to be. However, "user pays" is the only fair policy that can and should be applied.
I might add that, in the case of Jerseylive, I believe the significant police presence was absolutely essential and was the reason why the overall behaviour was acceptable (despite the few who spoilt it for others and the neighbouring residents)
Yours faithfully
John K Shield