Live Music Bill must be passed as soon as possible
16 June 2010
The ISM welcomes the coalition government's commitment to reduce live music bureaucracy and calls on the government to introduce the Live Music Bill which had front bench support from both governing coalition partners before the election.
The Bill, introduced last parliament in the House of Lords by Lib Dem Lord Clement-Jones, would allow small venues like schools, colleges and village halls to hold concerts without an entertainment license if the venue holds fewer than 200 people. It would also exempt venues that serve alcohol from needing an entertainment license where only one or two musicians are performing without amplification.
In the previous session of parliament, the Live Music Bill passed the House of Lords stage un-amended and, with cross-party support, came close to making it on to the statute book despite government opposition. Now, the coalition government has said it will ‘cut red tape to encourage the performance of more live music.’
ISM Chief Executive, Deborah Annetts, welcomed the coalition government’s commitment and encouraged the introduction of the Live Music Bill:
‘The government has a real opportunity to reduce the bureaucracy which is crippling the small live music event industry and destroying fledgling careers.
‘So many musicians rely on live music to start their career and 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 as well as the support of front-bench teams from both partners in the coalition government.
‘We are calling on the government to make time for this important piece of legislation and enable musicians to do what they do best, play music to a live audience.’
ENDS [8_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.
Contact:
Henry Vann, Public Affairs & Policy Officer, T: 020 7629 4413 E: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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Does anyone know why the previous government oppossed this bill? Were they after more licensing fees, or was it yet more pandering to big business. If you prevent live musicians from entertaining people perhaps you sell more CDs? Or was it just their natural tendency towards totalitarianism and control-freakery?
Seriously - despite my cynicism, I’d like to know the real answer.
25 June 2010 Posted by Tom Rose from Utrecht
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