Minister admits live music reform 'isn't easy'

By James Wilmore

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Live music Performance Music Question John penrose

Fears the government is wavering on plans to reform pub live music licensing have been raised after a minister admitted concerns over "public safety...

Fears the government is wavering on plans to reform pub live music licensing have been raised after a minister admitted concerns over "public safety loopholes".

John Penrose, a minister at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport responsible for overseeing the changes, has promised he has not "given up" or "parked" the issue.

But in a letter to Phil Little of the Live Music Forum, he added: "Finding an answer which solves the problems without opening unwanted public safety loopholes elsewhere isn't easy."

Penrose vowed to "keep pushing" on the issue - sparking suggestions the Home Office and Department for Communities and Local Government are opposing the plan.

Live music campaigner Hamish Birchall said: "This represents a backward step of about two years. Even Labour accepted public safety is covered by other legislation."

Previously Penrose promised a "radical" solution to the issue of licensing for small gigs. This came after Labour had proposed an exemption for gigs attracting 100 people or less.

But The Publican - through the Listen Up! campaign - and live music campaigners favour an exemption of 200.

Due to Penrose's latest statement, Lib Dem peer Lord Clement-Jones has tabled a question in Parliament this week. He has asked the government to say what public safety risks there are in the "performance of live music in workplaces" that are not "adequately covered by existing public safety and nuisance legislation, irrespective of licensing".

The government is due to answer by November 29.

Clement-Jones has previously tabled a Live Music Bill, which sets out an exemption for 200 people or less attending a gig.

Related topics Legislation

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