Pressure builds for pub live music exemptions
Most groups and individuals who responded to a Government consultation on live music reform want to see licence exemptions for pubs and small music venues.
That's according to UK Music, which is urging the Government to act one year after the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) launched a consultation on plans to relax red tape around live music.
UK Music found that of the 181 respondents to the DCMS consultation that expressed an opinion on the subject, 134 (74%) favoured some exemptions for small music venues.
Sixty two wanted exemptions for premises of up to 100 people, while 56 favoured it for venues with a higher capacity. Sixteen supported exemptions but did not specify the size of venue.
UK Music highlighted that some local authorities support exemptions, despite the Local Government Association opposing de-regulation.
For example, Oxford City Council's response said: "We believe that the proposal fully reflect the need for small venues to provide live music should they chose in order to generate much needed streams of revenue and provide much needed diversity.
"The measures proposed to uphold the licensing objectives seem to be both proportionate and fair."
The new Coalition Government promised to "cut red tape" in live music but no more details have been revealed.
UK Music chief executive Feargal Sharkey said: "While delighted that an overwhelming number of respondents wanted small venues to be exempt from the red tape of the Licensing Act, there is immense frustration that we are still waiting for the Coalition to deliver on their promises.
"Live music is part of this country's DNA. It stitches communities together. And, particularly in the current economic climate, it remains a vital part of the livelihood of musicians, pubs, clubs, bars and a host of other businesses."
Meanwhile, the Private Members Bill of Lord Clement-Jones, which includes exemptions for small gigs among other measures, is set to get its Second Reading in the House of Lords early next year.
"Thanks to the tireless efforts of Lord Clement-Jones, there is a Private Members Bill in motion that could remove this barrier to progress," Sharkey added.
"However, the licensing minister has the power to meet his stated commitment within 40 days. I hope he can take the overwhelming message of this belated consultation onboard: give power back to local communities, liberate small scale live music and take it out of the Licensing Act."
