THE UK government has issued proposals to extend the venue threshold of the Live Music Act from 200- to 500-capacity venues.
The announcement comes in
a response from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to its consultation on entertainment deregulation.
500
Capacity of venues covered by the Live Music Act under new proposals
The change will mean that
community venues – including community centres, schools, village halls and hospitals – will be exempt from licensing restrictions. They will be free to put on cultural events such as dance displays and concerts without having to apply to the local council for a licence. In addition, pubs and clubs up to 500 capacity would no longer need a local authority entertainment licence. Under current rules, eligible
organisers either have to apply for a Temporary Event Notice at least 10 days prior to putting on every event, or apply for an entertainment licence, that on average costs well over £200 (€240) for new applications. “UK Music is a huge supporter of the Live Music Act which came into force last October,” said Jo Dipple, chief executive of UK Music. “The government’s intention to increase the waiver from 200 to 500 is an unexpected gift, and one we wholegeartedly support. This will energise the grassroots music scene even further than the act itself. In 10 years’ time, when some new
band is top of the charts, we must look back at this announcement and remember its influence on British musical
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