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Tue 28 Feb 2012
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Music licensing laws to be eased
Mon 04 Jan 2010
Venues with a capacity of 100 or less will not have to apply for a music licence under new government plans.
According to licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe, the government is very keen to do all it can to support singers, musicians and bands.
He has therefore confirmed that it is planning to relax licensing laws for smaller venues in order to encourage more of them to stage live music events.
Mr Sutcliffe said many smaller establishments had previously been put off staging live music because of the need to apply for a licence.
However, he stated that if any venue is found to be connected with noise-related problems, nuisance or public disorder, the exemption will be revoked.
The British Beer and Pub Association has welcomed the move, saying it should boost businesses during the current economic slump.
Director Martin Rawlings added that relaxing the rules should also help aspiring and established musicians reach new audiences.
However, the move is unlikely to be popular with many council licensing officers across the UK.
A recent survey by the Local Government Association found that nine in ten believe easing current restrictions on live music would lead to more complaints about noise.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood, commented: "This exemption will be interesting.
"Small venues with loud music can cause as much disturbance (if not more) than large venues!"
