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A digital system should be created to make it easier for event organisers to navigate "cumbersome and clunky” rules and regulations, according to hospitality industry representatives.
During a hearing with the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel yesterday, the Jersey Hospitality Association called for a streamlined and digitised event licensing process to allow organisers to check that they have met all the necessary requirements to get the green light for an event.
It comes as part of an ongoing review of legislation governing public events on the island.
Pictured: Jersey Hospitality Association Co-CEOs Marcus and Ana Calvani.
Under the current system, set out by the Unlawful Public Entertainments Regulations of 1992, it is an offence to hold public entertainment without permission from the Bailiff.
The Bailiff's Public Entertainment Panel, comprising representatives from law enforcement and health and safety services, assesses event plans and evaluates potential risks before granting permission – a process that can take half a year.
However, the JHA argued that these complex rules hinder growth in the events sector and suggests that streamlining regulations could boost the local economy and hospitality industry.
JHA Co-CEO Marcus Calvani yesterday told the scrutiny panel: "We're not going to see growth in that sub-sector of the industry and an economic increase to our visitor economy unless we strip out some of the regulations that are in there at the moment."
Pictured: Rojo nightclub is set to close this month, with the owner claiming that "basically everything is stacked against having a vibrant nighttime industry" in Jersey.
Those who have attempted to host events in new venues said they have been put off by the challenges of obtaining permissions.
Unclear guidelines and a lack of support have been cited as key barriers, particularly since organisers must submit detailed business plans to the panel up to six months in advance.
This includes securing artists, managing logistics, paying deposits, and establishing safety protocols and creates financial insecurity for organisers who do not know whether or not they have done everything they need for their event to be approved.
"The reality is, our industry moves pretty fast," said Mr Calvani. "You can't really secure your finances until you get the ‘Yes’.”
To address these issues, the JHA Co-CEO suggested digitising the application process.
"Can you digitise the experience?" he asked.
"Can you literally go on, put in your name, put in your company, put in a description, and it starts to pull up all the things that you need to fulfil in order to put on an event?"
Pictured: The Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel is currently reviewing the legislation governing public events.
In recent years, event organisers have also complained about the difficulties caused by the regulations.
The owner of ROJO nightclub, JP Anquetil, previously suggested that the panel's preference for "tried and tested" venues could stifle creativity.
The call for reform comes as the existing regulations, which require renewal every three years, are set to expire in July.
But Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel has proposed extending the current regulations for three more years to allow time for necessary changes, while committing to update them during his term.
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