The Live Music Forum

Hamish Birchall Bulletin

Thursday 10th February 2011 - Live music bill 2nd reading 4th March

Lord Clement-Jones' live music bill will get its 2nd reading on Friday 4th March:
http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/livemusichl.html
 
Among other things, the bill proposes an exemption from entertainment licensing for live music performed to audiences of up to 200 people, between 8am and midnight in bars and restaurants, schools, hospitals and other workplaces:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldbills/012/11012.1-i.html
 
This will be the first time that Lord Clement-Jones' bill gets a full debate.
 
Both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in opposition publicly supported the 200-capacity gig exemption recommended by the Culture select committee in May 2009:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmcumeds/492/492.pdf
 
On Monday 31st January 2011, licensing minister John Penrose suggested that a government announcement about entertainment licensing reform was imminent:
 
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what timetable he has set for his consultation on changes to Schedule 1 of the Licensing Act 2003; and if he will publish a timetable for consultation on changes to the Licensing Act 2003. [36350]

John Penrose: The Government are currently considering options to remove red tape from live music and other entertainment. I hope to be able to announce our conclusions, including the timetable for reform, shortly.
See: http://bit.ly/gmkgek
 
The timing of the live music bill represents an opportunity for the government.  It could implement its reform by supporting the bill, and putting forward amendments at Committee stage (which would follow about two weeks after 2nd reading).
 
ENDS

Hamish Birchall