Deputy proposes to allow ‘Happy Hour’ pub promotions

Saturday 04 July 2020

The politician who ran his election campaign with the slogan 'Get on the L.ash' has put forward plans to make it cheaper for islanders to do just that.

The Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Lindsay Ash, has put forward a proposal to allow bars and pubs to offer ‘Happy Hours’ or ‘Buy one get one free’ promotions on drinks.

Deputy Lindsay Ash, whose 2018 election campaign ‘Get on the L.ash’ referenced both his name and his pledge to reduce alcohol prices in Jersey, now wants to reopen the topic for debate.

He also wants to ensure there is no minimum pricing of alcohol in Jersey.

Pictured: Deputy Lindsay Ash proposes that there should be no minimum pricing of alcohol in Jersey, and bars and pubs should be allowed to offer promotions on drinks. 

As hospitality and tourism attempt to make a “come-back” after strict lockdown measures, the Deputy says the question of why promotions on drinks are not permitted has been put back into “sharp focus”.

In April, Jersey introduced a minimum unit pricing for alcohol sold in shops but despite this, Deputy Ash says that supermarkets are “still able to offer promotions, which pubs and bars are not”.

“Whilst the retailer can sell drinks at ‘3 for £5’ or ‘buy 2 get 3^rd free’, the pubs cannot. Why is this?” he asks.

Pictured: Deputy Ash argues that if supermarkets can offer promotional deals on alcohol, why can't pubs and bars? 

He hopes that the States debate will consider why ‘Happy Hours’ and other promotions are currently not permitted, and determine whether the policy has succeeded in curbing excess drinking in Jersey.

The Deputy says he is “open-minded” about whether a minimum pricing for alcohol should be introduced on the island.

He states: “The matter of whether a jurisdiction decides to introduce minimum pricing of alcohol is a political one.

Interesting that certain pubs/ restaurants opened up with Al Fresco whilst others remained shut ...those that made an effort seemed pretty busy , it appears that those who stayed shut were busy re pricing ...Liberation group at the White Horse ,San Miguel £5 from £4.75????????..

— LINDSAY ASH (@Getonthelash2) June 27, 2020

“As such, it is a matter which will attract arguments in favour and arguments against.

“It is one which would, and should, be decided after political debate and, preferably, with evidence provided by the one who wishes to introduce such a new measure.”

Deputy Ash’s propositions will be debated by States members in September.