Government proposes to further deregulate live and recorded music

The proposals from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport include increasing the audience limit for live music in licensed premises or the workplace from 200 to 500, which would mean that pubs with up to 500 customers could have live music without needing a special licence.

Recorded music, which could previously only be played by premises when authorised, would also be permitted in licensed premises for audiences up to 500. If introduced, this exemption will only apply to licensed premises – not the workplace or other venues, due to “serious concerns” from the police about raves and under-18s parties.

Trusted retailers​

Poppleston Allen’s Andy Grimsey, who co-drafted the Live Music Act, said: “It shows the Government trusts pubs and bars and recognises that they are responsible retailers.

“It’s a bit piecemeal and a bit complicated but the deregulation means that pubs could have a DJ playing recorded music until 11pm without a licence, as long as there are fewer than 500 people in the premises. Any loosening of regulation has to be a good thing.”

Three-pronged attack​

The consultation is the second phase in a three-pronged attack on red tape in the entertainment licensing regime - the first proposes to deregulate plays and performances of dance for audiences of up to 500 and indoor sporting events for audiences of up to 1000; the third proposes to deregulate community films and possible exempt films incidental to another activity which is not itself Regulated Entertainment, for example eating.

To read the consultation visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/legislative-reform-order-changes-to-entertainment-licensing​. The closing date for responses is Tuesday 17 December.