Fight against Form 696 hots up
Campaigners against the Metropolitan Police's controversial Form 696 have stepped up the pressure by writing to the government's equalities watchdog urging it to intervene.
The risk assessment form, which asks venues such as pubs to provide the name, address and contact numbers for all performers and promoters and style of music, has been branded "potentially racist".
The original version of the form asked for details of which ethnic group was likely to attend, this has now been dropped but the style of music question which remains gives just three examples - "bashment, R'n'B and Garage" - all genres popular with black and Asian fans.
Campaigners have now taken their fight to Equalities and Human Rights Commission - with politicians and musicians among more than 50 people who have signed a letter to the watchdog.
The letter says: "The existing licensing application process already makes it a prerequisite that venues prove adequate provision to prevent crime and disorder, harm to children and public nuisance.
"We understand the need for the Metropolitan Police to protect members of the public and limit criminal incidents at live events.
"However, these initiatives should be intelligence-led and carried out in partnership with local communities rather than through initiatives that increase animosity towards the police."
In an interview with The Publican last month Feargal Sharkey, chief executive of UK Music and one of the signatories of the letter, said he thought it was "abhorrent if anybody trys to make a professional assessment about the ethnic make-up of an audience at a live music event - particularly in London".
The form is primarily targeted at nightclubs, but some live music pubs and bars have been asked to use the form.
The Metropolitan Police is currently reviewing the form and it is understood a decision will be made next month.
It claims the form has helped cut violence at certain London music events. But nearly 18,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Prime Minister to scrap Form 696. Add your name at ScrapThe696
- The Publican is campaigning to get Form 696 scrapped as part of its Listen Up! campaign.
