De-regulation of live music licensing likely for Autumn
Radical de-regulation of live music licensing for small venues could be in place as early as the autumn, the Government has said.
The news comes in the week that tourism minister John Penrose gave his strongest indication that the Licensing Act 2003 may be liberalised to exempt small venues and events from needing to apply for a local authority licence.
Penrose revealed the Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) plans to relax the terms of the Licensing Act. Under the reform, licences will be needed only for events attracting crowds of 5,000 or more, where there is alcohol sold and where there is adult entertainment such as lap dancing or pole dancing.
A DCMS spokesman said that the department believed the changes could be made via statutory instrument, a much faster method than changing the law through primary legislation.
He said the idea must also be supported by other Government departments including the Home Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. "We know they are broadly supportive but that final sign off hasn't happened. We would hope by the end of June to have formerly announced the next stage."
The spokesman said he expected a "quick consultation" in the summer "with a view to get statutory change realistically in the autumn".
Getting worse
However, live music campaigner Hamish Birchall has warned that licensing problems surrounding live music in pubs are likely to "get worse before they get better" despite the planned action.
"Despite the pledge to cut red tape, and Government support for Lord Clement-Jones' live music bill [which outlines plans to reduce red tape in live music licensing], licensing problems for live music are likely to get worse before they get better.
"Ironically, the cause will be the very legislation cited in the Red Tape Challenge as the remedy for antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related crime: the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Bill, which is expected to gain Royal Assent by the autumn. It could be that we get that reform before we get de-regulation."
He is concerned the Bill would allow councils to impose conditions on temporary event notices and that an individual can issue a complaint even if they do not live in the vicinity.
However, Birchall added: "I am certainly encouraged by Penrose's approach."
