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NEW LIVE MUSIC LICENSING PROPOSALS FOR ENGLAND AND WALES



NEW LIVE MUSIC LICENSING PROPOSALS FOR ENGLAND AND WALES

A new licensing Bill is included in the Government=B9s Programme Of
Legislation for the coming session, part of the bill relates to the issue o=
f
Public Entertainment Licences.

Hamish Birchall (the advisor to the Musicians Union on public entertainment
licensing reform) has written an analysis of the proposed legislation which
can be viewed here: WWW.MUSICLOVERS.UKART.COM/PELS.HTM

Birchall agrees that the broad aims of the Licensing Bill are welcome but
states that, "the proposed measures are draconian to say the least", and
that "this would represent the biggest increase in licensing control of liv=
e
music for over 100 years".

Culture Minister Kim Howells says the swingeing increase in regulation is
necessary because 'one musician with modern amplification can make more
noise than three without'.

Radio 1's Lamacq Live is interviewing government minister Kim Howells on
Monday (Feb 10th) and we want people in send in their questions for him. Yo=
u
can find out more about what this new bill could mean and send your
questions to Steve Lamacq HERE

Then tune into Lamacq Live on Monday (8pm-12am) to hear what Kim Howells ha=
s
to say.

Birchall outlines some of the restrictions the proposal would inflict on
live music performance:

=B7 110,000 on-licensed premises in England and Wales would lose their
automatic right to allow one or two musicians to work. A form of this
limited exemption from licensing control dates back to at least 1899.

=B7 Thousands of private events, hitherto exempt, become licensable if 'for
consideration and with a view to profit'.

=B7 The same applies to any private performance raising money for charity.

=B7 A new licensing criterion is introduced: the provision of 'entertainment
facilities'. This could mean professional rehearsal studios, broadcasting
studios etc will be illegal unless first licensed. =B7 Musicians could be
guilty of a criminal offence if they don't check first that premises hold
the appropriate authorisation for their performance.

=B7 Likewise someone organising a karaoke night in a pub.

=B7 Buskers similarly potential criminals - unless they perform under a
licensing authorisation.

=B7 Church bell ringing could be licensable.

=B7 But... broadcast entertainment on satellite or terrestrial TV, or radio,
is to be exempt from licensing under this Bill.

An online petition has been set-up, it already has 60,000 signatures and
will be handed to 10 downing street on March 15th:

HTTP://WWW.PETITIONONLINE.COM/2INABAR/PETITION.HTML

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