Moderation urged after happy hour ban lifted

Jersey's director of public health has encouraged people to be safe and sensible when drinking alcohol after a 38-year ban on drinks promotions was lifted.

The ban was removed by the island's Licensing Assembly last month after it said restrictions had led to increased binge drinking and drinking at home.

It means venues are able to offer drink promotions such as happy hour and two-for-one deals.

Prof Peter Bradley, director of Public Health Jersey, said unhealthy drinking at home was still a concern despite a decline in social drinking culture.

Prof Bradley said health officials had worked to provide advice and recommendations on reforming the licensing law.

He warned excessive drinking was harmful to health and Public Health Jersey was focused on encouraging healthier drinking habits.

"I encourage all islanders to be safe and sensible when out and about and to adopt easy drinking habits such as staying hydrated with water, eating before and during drinking, and trying low or non-alcoholic alternatives," he said.

The latest alcohol profile report by Public Health Jersey found islanders drank 10.8 litres of pure alcohol a year, one litre more than those in the UK.

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