Small venues will no longer need a local authority entertainment licence to host live music.
The good news emerged after the Live Music Bill passed its third reading and report stage in the House of Commons. Introduced by Lib Dem Peer Tim Clement-Jones and promoted in the Commons by Bath MP Don Foster, the Bill should now proceed to Royal Assent.
As a result of the breakthrough, small venues wanting to host live music events will no longer have to endure the long process and and added expense that comes with attaining a local authority entertainment license.
According to Audioprointernational.com Paul McManus, CEO of the MIA (Music Industry Association), commented on the news: “This is wonderful news and a great day for live music. The Live Music Bill will make a real and positive impact on musicians. The current Licensing Act has created an excess of bureaucracy – making it almost prohibitive for pubs and other small venues to host live gigs. We are extremely grateful to Lord Clement-Jones and Don Foster MP who have made this change possible.”
