Final Nightclub, Pub And Party Bans Lifted

Islanders can go to a nightclub, drink at the bar and have unlimited guests in their home, as most of Jersey's final Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.

Today (26 August) marks an end to more than 18 months of government-imposed rules.

Since March 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was first declared, nightclubs have been unable to open and dancefloors have lain empty.

Pubs have had to adopt table-only service, and gatherings in people's homes have been capped at 20 people.

Those rules are among those that have now been done away with.

On 11 August, the government announced plans for Stage 7 of Jersey's Covid reconnection strategy to go ahead on Thursday 26 August, in time for the long bank holiday weekend.

The hospitality industry is welcoming the end to restrictions on our social lives.

Gavin Reid, Managing Director of Randall's, expressed his excitement for the sector to get back on its feet.

"The island has been deprived for so long.

We look forward to welcoming the public for usual service in our locations from Thursday 26 August. It's been a tough year, alongside an island-wide hospitality staff shortage, but we're expecting and looking forward to a busy weekend across our sites."

He thinks the significant length of time since the island had a normal 'night-time economy' means a whole new clientele will be rushing out this weekend, perhaps even for the first time since turning eighteen:

"There's going to be excitement for a generation who have heard such great things about island hotspots, but because of restrictions, they haven't been able to experience them themselves.

It's going to be an incredible experience this weekend - it's going to be mental!"

The buzz from the hospitality industry continues with Grant 'Ozzie' Orchison, manager at Chambers telling Channel 103, "Bring it on!"

Sydney De Gouveia, of St James' Wine Bar, echoed the same sentiment.

"We can't wait for everyone to be enjoying themselves with us. But we want everyone to be conscious and sensible whilst on (the) premises."

Everyone's struggled these past 18 months, but hospitality will always bounce back in Jersey - it's too strong not to."

Nightclub owners are taking full advantage of the long weekend by announcing their comeback events.

Havana released their bank holiday schedule on Monday which kicks off tonight and continues throughout the bank holiday weekend.

One local DJ who is set to make his return to the decks this weekend, Sam Tumkaew, told Channel 103 he was thrilled to get back performing.

"Incredibly excited to be back playing in the clubs, the hospitality industry has suffered significantly over the last 18 months and I’m sure everyone in the industry, including me, is thrilled to finally be back!"

Ministers are also welcoming the end to restrictions, with Deputy Chief Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham thanking islanders for their co-operation as he outlined the island's journey into a "mitigation phase".

"I am pleased we can now open up our island community to the next stage of reconnection, which will provide the welcome return of islanders’ freedoms. It has been a difficult year, and I hope this will ease the situation for those businesses which have been most severely-affected by the prolonged restrictions."

Islanders are still being warned to be cautious and think responsibly if they develop symptoms.

Large events - including festivals- are now permitted.  'Out There' is due to be the first such major event, on 11 & 12 September, followed by Electric Park on 18 September.  This year's Weekender Festival, scheduled for 4 & 5 September, was postponed ahead of Ministers' announcing 26 August as the date for restrictions to end.

Work from home advice has also been scrapped, and masks no longer have to be worn in shops and other indoor public places (except the ports and on public transport)

Ministers’ emergency Covid powers are due to end on October 31, but Deputy Richard Renouf has asked States Members for them to remain in place until 30 April 2022. It is to be debated by the States Assembly on 5 October.