Government backs Live Music Bill

The Government has given its backing to Lord Clement-Jones' Live Music Bill, which includes exemptions for small gigs.

The Government has agreed to take the Private Members Bill forward with additional conditions such as an 11pm cut-off time for performances of live music exempt from entertainment licensing and a full impact assessment.

The Bill was tabled by Liberal Democrat Clement-Jones and includes plans to offer a licensing exemption to small venues of 200 people or fewer.

Speaking for the Government, Baroness Rawlings said there would be further drafting and amendments made, but added the Government was "delighted" to see that the Bill retained aspects of the Licensing Act 2003.

"The consequences of the Licensing Act 2003 have been to disadvantage many of the cornerstones of local life," she said. "It should not be the role of government to restrict creativity and community interaction, but to promote it."

The All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group has also pledged its support to the Bill. Chair Greg Mulholland said: "It is important that up and coming musicians have the support they need to share their music.

"Pubs are a fantastic venue for this to happen and the lifting of restrictions on live music is warmly welcomed by the Save the Pub Group.

"The Save the Pub Group was delighted to see the coalition's commitment to lifting restrictions to encourage live music, in the coalition agreement."

The Bill now moves to the committee stage in the Lords, most likely within a month.