Campaigners step up pressure over live music in pubs
A group representing a variety of interests in the UK music industry has expressed its frustration over government inaction to exempt pubs from Licensing Act red tape.
UK Music, which is headed by ex-Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey, said in the light of the delays in evaluating submissions to the previous government's consultation on the exemption due to the General Election, it wanted to remind the new government of the feelings the restrictions aroused.
Nearly three quarters of those who submitted their views to the original consultation, launched a year ago today by the then-government, were in favour of an exemption for small venues, UK Music said. Among the exemptions campaigners want brought in is a stipulation that venues holding a musical event attended by fewer than 200 people can be exempt, as well as a return to the 'two in a bar' rule.
Sharkey said there was "immense frustration" that the new coalition government had yet to deliver on its promise to cut red tape around live music in pubs.
"Live music is part of this country's DNA. It stitches communities together and in this economic environment remains a vital part of the livelihood of musicians, pubs, clubs, bars and a host of other businesses.
"Thanks to the tireless efforts of Lord Clement-Jones there is a Private members Bill in motion that could remove this barrier to progress.
"I hope the Licensing Minister can take the overwhelming message of this belated consultation on board and give power back to local communities, liberate small-scale live music and take it out of the Licensing Act."
The Publican is campaigning for the government to relax the rules around live music in pubs as part of our Listen Up! initative.
