Live Music Act 2012 To Reduce Licensing Burden For Live Music
The Live Music Act 2012, passed 8th March, is likely to come into force this autumn and will have great significance for the live music industry1. Under this amendment of the Licensing Act 2003, premises with a capacity under 200 persons will no longer require a licence from their local authority where the music takes place between 8am and 11pm on the same day 177A (1)(b)(ii). Capacity restrictions for unamplified live music performances will also be removed 17A (1)(b)(i).
The Treasury described in its “Plan for Growth”2 Report 2011 how the requirements under the Licensing Act 2003 are “unduly restrictive and burdensome” with the effect that “small venues in particular are deterred from putting on small live music events”. The legislation aims to reduce the bureaucracy connected to the hosting of live music entertainment in small venues. The removal of restrictions on unamplified live music performances in particular, is likely to open up the availability and variety of locations in which live music can be held, and will undoubtedly encourage more businesses to stage live music, creating opportunities for musicians.
1 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/2/enacted#p00006
2 http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_growth.pdf
