Fiona Kerley, President of the JHA and a local Hotelier commented on the proposed waste charges, said: "Just now when Jersey is turning the corner and its residents are once again becoming proud of welcoming visitors to their Island, this proposal could not come at a worse time. The method of imposing these costs will impact visitors and residents alike, Jersey will struggle to be competitive, countless jobs will be put at risk and Jersey’s future potential will be extinguished."

In a statement, the JHA said that waste and the Island's environment wasn't just a business issue and that the charges would actually be counterproductive when it comes to protecting the environment. They wrote: "Businesses already aim to keep their expenditure as low as possible so any change in behaviour with regards to water usage, if maintaining current best practices, will be minimal. The charges proposed will not in fact assist businesses to be more sustainable or to implement and follow better environmental practices as there simply won’t be the financial resources left to do this."

They also argued that the charges were unfair as not much can be done to mitigate their impact. "These waste charges are being unfairly burdened on businesses, for some of whom the level of water used is unavoidable, it is just part of what they do! There will be little option for businesses to reduce their water consumption drastically and therefore little option to reduce these charges. The level of proposed charges is such that it is likely to discourage ‘Best Practice’ behaviours putting water saving above health & safety and reduce the ability for businesses to reinvest.

"The effects of high charges on hospitality & other businesses will be wide reaching and will certainly have other economic effects as they are passed on to the end user, the cost of which now is unknown. At a time when Visit Jersey is trying to boost the tourist figures and showcase our wonderful island this is very discouraging news!"