ISM and Jazz Services join forces to back the Live Music Bill
The ISM and Jazz Services announced today that there are deep rooted concerns from the music sector that government plans for a further review could delay progress of the Live Music Bill. This could have a serious impact on all musicians, particularly Jazz and young musicians, fresh out of Conservatoires, who are likely to suffer the most.
A stronger review hinted at by the minister, John Penrose MP, offering ‘broader and more radical’ de-regulation is welcome and wholly backed by the ISM and Jazz Services, but both organisations believe that this review should by no means hinder the immediate help needed and already consulted on for musicians by the previous government.
The minister’s (John Penrose MP) comments that he would ‘move as fast as possible’ were welcomed at Culture, Media and Sport questions in the House of Commons. However, the concern that further consultaion on ‘alternatives’ could delay the immediate support needed by musicians was raised.
Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the ISM stated “Musicians are feeling a triple squeeze on their incomes. The impact of the recession remains, VAT is up and licensing restrictions have remained in place.
We are delighted that the Government is seriously considering this issue and hope to implement a broad and radical review to help musicians. However, this review must not be at the expense of the immediate assistance that musicians need. So, we are calling for the Bill or similar Order to be introduced as soon as possible.’
Chris Hodgkins, Director of Jazz Services said “Immediate action is required so that the effects of the disastrous Licensing Act 2003 that militated against musicians seeking work in favour of on-screen entertainment can finally be curbed.”
ENDS [9_10]
Notes to editors
1. On Monday 21 June 2010 John Penrose, in response to a question from the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, John Whittingdale MP, said: ‘If we go for other alternatives, we will need to consult on them, but if we decide to go down the route of ideas that have already been thoroughly canvassed, I would obviously want to move as fast as possible and reduce the level of consultation to the bare legal minimum.’
Commons Hansard, Monday 21 June 2010 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm100621/debtext/100621-0001.htm#1006219000022
2. The Live Music 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 held 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.
3. 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.
4. Jazz Services provides a voice and support for UK jazz, promoting its growth, accessibility and development in the UK and abroad. Services include advice, advocacy, communications, education, information, marketing, publishing (Jazz UK), research and touring. Jazz Services was formed as the London Jazz Centre Society Limited on the 20th January 1969 and changed its name to the Jazz Centre Society in November 1969. On the 18th April 1984 the Jazz Sentre Society became Jazz Services Limited. We are funded by Arts Council England with financial assistance for the Jazz Promoters Scheme from the Performing Right Society Foundation. We are a registered charity.
Downloads
Tools
Share
Or search for…
Five reasons to join ISM
- Free individual legal advice and strong representation from our high quality legal team
- Free 24-hour legal and tax helpline, offering you peace of mind wherever you are
- Free comprehensive insurance, tailored to meet the needs of musicians and offered by the best insurance brokers in the business
- A strong voice for musicians, campaigning and lobbying government on your behalf
- Free magazine and regular email newsletters, keeping you fully up-to-date with news, events and our many discounts