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Committee chairman calls for relaxation of music licensing laws
Tue 27 Jul 2010
The chairman of a parliamentary committee has said the licensing rules regarding the staging of live music in pubs should be relaxed.
John Whittingdale, who heads up the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, said the existing law is having a negative impact on licensed premises.
He stated that since the Licensing Act was introduced in 2003, there has been a drop in the number of venues wishing to stage live performances.
As a result, Mr Whittingdale has suggested that the government brings forward plans to exempt establishments with a capacity of 200 or less from the regulations.
He stated that small venues that host live performances are the "bedrock" of the entertainment industry and an opportunity for artists to kickstart their careers.
Music industry body UK Music has already backed calls to overhaul the Licensing Act, as it believes encouraging live performances would have social and economic benefits and help artists to thrive.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, commented: "We seem to have been here so many times before and still no real progress.
"Will the regulations on live music ever be relaxed?
"Let's hope the division in responsibility between the Home Office (alcohol) and the DCMS (entertainment) will bring about sensible change."
