Under the Licensing Act, a performance by one musician in a bar, restaurant,
school or hospital not licensed for live music could lead to a criminal prosecution
of those organising the event. Even a piano may count as a licensable 'entertainment
facility'. By contrast, amplified big screen broadcast entertainment is exempt.
The government says the Act is necessary to control noise nuisance, crime,
disorder and public safety, even though other laws already deal with those
risks. Musicians warned the Act would harm small events. About 50% of bars
and 75% of restaurants have no live music permission. Obtaining permission
for the mildest live music remains costly and time-consuming. In May, the Culture,
Media and Sport Committee recommended exemptions for venues up to 200 capacity
and for unamplified performance by one or two musicians. The government said
no. But those exemptions would restore some fairness in the regulation of live
music and encourage grassroots venues.
click below to go to participate
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/livemusicevents