Gov't consultation supports relaxing live music licensing laws for pubs
That's according to a Government consultation on the reforming of entertainment licensing laws.
The Legislative Reform Order (LRO) will deregulate the playing of live and recorded music between 08:00-23:00 before an audience of up to 500 people in licensed premises.
The proposal aims to “remove unnecessary regulation from certain smaller scale and neighbourhood events, thereby freeing up organisers to put on eligible entertainment without having to fill in licensing paperwork and go through a costly process”.
The Government has published its findings from the consultation on the proposal, which noted that the pub sector is “an industry made up of small businesses, many of them independently owned/managed with low net profit margins of around 4%. Business representatives commented that pubs faced higher than average compliance costs and increasing levels of red tape. They suggested that any legislation that made it easier for live music to take place would benefit the economy and small businesses that relied on leisure and tourism spend.”
'Encouraging'
ALMR strategic affairs director Kate Nicholls said: “It is encouraging to see the Government taking steps to decrease bureaucracy for licensed hospitality and allowing pubs to offer entertainment without the need for costly and time-consuming paperwork.
“The Government’s response to the consultation noted that pubs in the UK are a breeding ground for aspiring musical talent and a vital hotbed feeding the country’s creative industries. Pubs have always provided a home for new music from folk and acoustic rock to electronic music and DJs. Many of the country’s most successful and best-loved bands from Black Sabbath to Coldplay began their careers playing in pubs.”
