MPs call for U-turn on ‘damaging’ licensing law
As reported in The Stage magazine, the House of Commons’ Culture, Media and Sport Committee has criticised that the Licensing Act 2003 for ‘hampering’ live music performances, and is calling on the government to relax laws by reintroducing the ‘two in a bar rule’ for unamplified gigs and implementing an exemption for venues with a capacity of up to 200 people.
The committee also believes that a ‘portable’ licence issued by a single authority, such as those given to cruise ships, should be created for travelling performers, including circuses, to cut down on the financial and administrative burdens placed on artists when on tour. It has advised that some low-risk travelling shows, such as Punch and Judy productions, should be exempt from licensing altogether.
To read more, visit The Stage’s website at
www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/24387/mps-call-for-u-turn-on-damaging-licensing
source: The Stage
