Last chance for live music

Live Music Bill

Last chance before election

The Bill, introduced in the House of Lords by Lord Clement-Jones, would allow small venues like schools, colleges and village halls to hold concerts without an entertainment licence if the venue holds fewer than 200 people. It would also exempt venues that serve alcohol from needing an entertainment licence where only one or two musicians are performing without amplification.

On 9 February the Bill was passed by the House of Lords without debate and will progress to the Commons.

Opportunities drying up

ISM Chief Executive, Deborah Annetts, welcomed the passage of the Bill and encouraged MPs to support it:

‘With just weeks to go before the general election, MPs have the chance to free musicians from mountains of paperwork and allow live music to flourish.

‘Performing in small venues is the first step in a musician’s professional career but the current licensing regime is causing opportunities to dry up.

‘This Bill has the support of politicians from all parties and musicians from all genres. We now call on the government to make time for this important piece of legislation and enable it to make a difference to music and musicians.’

ENDS [1_10]

Notes to editors

1. The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) is the UK's professional body for musicians. We promote the art of music and the interests of professional musicians through campaigns, support and practical advice. We are a wholly independent non profit making organisation founded in 1882. Without political interference or financial imperatives we express robust and authoritative views which champion both music and professional musicians. Our members come from all branches of the profession – performers, composers, teachers, music therapists, academics and advisers. We also have other levels of membership for students and those just starting out in the profession as well as for bodies such as schools, conservatoires and orchestras and those who simply want to support our work as advocates of music.

2. People who support the bill can sign an e-petition on the Prime Minister's website at petitions.number10.gov.uk/livemusicevents

Contact

Callum Thomson, Head of Marketing & Media, T: 020 7629 4413 E: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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