Licences for The Terminal and JB’s Ping Pong Bar get go ahead after three-month battle

The Licencing Assembly granted all three licences requested for JB’s – entertainment, alcohol, and food, and an alcohol licence for The Terminal, the café at Elizabeth Harbour. In December the Licencing Assembly rejected applications for JB’s, a gastro bar on Wharf Street following objections from the owner of a nearby venue.

Marcus Calvani, Director of The Calvani Group, owners of JB’s and The Terminal, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the outcome. It couldn’t have gone better.

“It’s just such a shame it has taken us three months to get there. We took the December upset quite seriously and after receiving one objected to applications this time around, just 48 hours before the Assembly, we complied a huge packet of information explaining exactly why we needed the licences to operate legally.

“The Panel was totally professional and was aware of what had happened in December. They also adjourned and took the time to read our submission.”

In February, The Calvani Group’s applications received almost unanimous support at a Parish Assembly with the backing of the Constable of St Helier, the Director of Ports of Jersey, the Head of Jersey Hospitality, and the Licensing Unit, along with letters of recommendation from Economic Development.

Mr Calvani said: “We have had huge support from across the community since December. The Licencing Unit attended the Assembly yesterday and made another statement about how we’ve helped change the area around JB’s, and have helped transform it from an area they used to have problems with into an area where they no longer have problems.

“It’s the next chapter. JB’s will be able to operate as we intended. We will keep the kitchen open until 12am, so people can have a drink and a bite to eat until 1am, while playing ping pong, or listening to a funky duet.”

The café at Elizabeth Harbour ferry terminal will be there for another year while The Calvani Group work on a new restaurant, bar, café and outdoor eating venue.

Mr Calvani added: “Originally the Licencing Assembly had said said they wouldn’t grant a licence for The Terminal because it was ‘temporary’. However, it’s going to be there for at least another year while we develop the new venue. We needed to let our terminal operate like any other travel hub and let people have a drink.”