New licensing laws to 'open bigger events market'

Plans to introduce a new liquor licence for small private events could "open up a bigger market for event companies", and Isle of Man pub landlord has said.

The proposed 18-month pilot of the Private Event Liquor License scheme from August would create a simplified licensing route for eligible licence holders.

Andy Gibbs, who owns Jaks Bar and Smokehouse in Douglas and is a member of the Licensing Forum, said the current business system was "very, very expensive to go through all the licensing controls to get an occasional licence," he said.

The change would "reduce the unnecessary cost and bureaucracy of hosting a private event", which would make it more accessible to host a licensed event.

The proposal, which will be considered by Tynwald, would apply to private events such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate functions with up to 250 guests, lasting no more than one day.

Under the plans, applications would continue to be assessed through the courts, and the responsible licence holder would have to be present at each event.

However, it would also see a simplified advertisement requirement and the scrapping of application fees.

Gibbs said under the current system of occasional licences "just wasn't viable" for a lot of businesses, but the new licence "should hopefully steer people away from buying crates from supermarkets" for private events.

The scheme could open up new commercial opportunities for venues and event providers across the island, Gibbs continued.

"Of course it would allow pubs to extend their business," he said. "It could open up a bigger market for event companies and bring more money in."

Gibbs said the key priority "is that it's professionally run and organised properly".

Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said the proposal "recognises the need for a modern and proportionate approach to licensing for small private events" while making sure safeguards remained in place.

Rob Mercer MLC, who is the political member for business at the enterprise department, said the pilot "represents a positive and practical response to industry feedback", which would create new commercial opportunities and help keep the island "an attractive location for hosting events".

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