Proposal Introduced to Update Alcohol Licensing Laws

A major shake-up of Jersey’s alcohol licensing framework has been formally proposed, with the government seeking to modernise the system and streamline regulation.

The reforms, brought forward by Sustainable Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, aim to simplify the current structure by reducing the number of licence categories from seven to just two. The minister said the changes would give businesses greater flexibility while creating a clearer and faster process for handling appeals.

Under the proposal, oversight of alcohol licensing would shift from the Royal Court to the Jersey Gambling Commission, which would be rebranded as the Alcohol and Gambling Commission. Morel said this move would centralise regulatory responsibilities and introduce a more transparent appeals mechanism.

The draft law would also transfer decisions on matters such as drinks promotions from the Attorney General to the States Assembly, giving elected representatives greater influence over alcohol policy.

“The draft law allows for licence conditions to be amended on a case-by-case basis, providing more flexibility and enabling quicker action when concerns or breaches arise,” the minister said.

He noted that future licence conditions could be introduced to strengthen safeguards against underage drinking—potentially including tighter controls on where alcohol can be sold within off-licence premises. These measures, he added, would be shaped by government policy and informed by ongoing research.

Morel stressed that the legal drinking age would remain unchanged. However, new requirements would ensure that anyone aged 16 to 18 working in a licensed venue must be supervised by a responsible adult deemed “fit and proper”.