Licensing laws hit live music says Feargal
Some small scale live music events have had to be cancelled or had unnecessary restrictions placed on them as a result of the new licensing laws, according to the Live Music Forum.
The independent forum, set up to monitor the impact of the new laws on live music, believes that lack of clarity in the legislation coupled with over zealous local authorities are to blame.
A small acoustic gig does not impact on crime, disorder or public safety so should not fall under the remit of the licensing laws Live Music Forum chairman Feargal Sharkey.
The Forum has made 28 recommendations to Government. It says it should;
-Exempt small venues (capacity less than 100) from needing a licence for live music-Exempt venues putting on acoustic music from needing to obtain a licence-Ensure existing venues aren't liable to pay for noise-related issues if homes are built nearby-Collaborate with the National Union of Students to establish a new Live Music Network-Encourage more local councils to set up rehearsal spaces for local musicians
"Of course public events do need to be properly controlled, but we believe that a pub putting on an acoustic folk trio, for example, should not need a licence," said Live Music Forum chairman Feargal Sharkey.
"That small acoustic gig does not impact on crime, disorder or public safety so should not fall under the remit of the licensing laws.
"And we think more can be done to encourage grass roots musicians such as creating more rehearsal rooms, putting universities back on the live music circuit and creating a database of live venues."
