Licence updates threaten pub live music

Councils across London are standing by the use of controversial risk-assessment forms for promoted events at bars.

The pub industry and live-music campaigners argue that Form 696 — which requires venues to state details for promoted events, including names and ages of every promoter or performer — is an unnecessary burden and should instead be scrapped.

But the Morning Advertiser has learnt that several authorities in London have flagged up the forms in their updated licensing policies — these have to be renewed every three years.

For example, Islington's policy says that all licensees who host live performers, whether "musicians, DJs, MCs or other artistes", will be "expected" to carry out a risk assessment.

The authority "recommends" Form 696, which it says should be completed "in consultation with police".

It wants risk-assessment forms submitted 14 days before proposed events, and "debrief forms" submitted within 14 days after the event.

Bexley says the risk assessment and debrief forms are "useful and effective tools". Other councils to endorse the forms include Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Hillingdon.

Last year Feargal Sharkey, CEO of UK Music, wrote to the Met urging them to scrap the forms. The British Beer & Pub Association also opposes the forms, and will air its views in response to the councils' policies.

The licensee of one music-focused pub, who declined to be named, told the Morning Advertiser this week: "We could do without these forms; it's just another thing to deal with when we should be running our business."