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http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/49044

New government proposals aim to liberalise live music laws in tiny venues
Live music performances for 100 people or less will no longer need a licence under new plans
December 31, 2009


New proposals are being put forward by the Government to relax its laws on licensing for live music in small venues.

Live music performances for 100 people or less will no longer need to be licensed, under plans announced today (December 31) by licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

Under the proposals, an exemption from the Licensing Act for small live music events would make it easier for a wide range of venues to put on live music, and help musicians who want to play to a live audience.

"Going to see a band, musician or singer is a very important part of many people’s lives and we're keen to do what we can to support audiences and musicians," explained Mr Sutcliffe.

"An exemption for venues with 100 people or less would benefit many small venues, particularly unlicensed premises such as village halls and cafes, which may currently be put off by licensing requirements.

"But we are also proposing that the exemption can be revoked at individual premises if there have been problems with noise, nuisance or disorder."

Under current laws, anyone wanting to put on live music must have a premises licence, a club premises certificate or a temporary event notice, although there are some exceptions for incidental, background music.

An exemption would ensure that all licensed premises such as pubs and clubs would be able to put on small scale live music, regardless of whether or not their existing licence included a provision for staging entertainment events.

Unlicensed premises such as cafes, restaurants, village halls and record shops would also be able to host events without the need for a licence.

But the exemption would only apply to performances that are indoors, and take place between 8am and 11pm.

Martin Rawlings, director of pub and leisure at the British Beer and Pub Association said: "The BBPA welcomes any measures that can help pubs overcome existing barriers to putting on live music, helping aspiring and established musicians to reach audiences while at the same time boosting business, particularly during these difficult economic times."

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And it's about damned time, too! I've been waiting for my chance to go over there & play for some really small crowds! This could be my year!

philbymon wrote:And it's about damned time, too! I've been waiting for my chance to go over there & play for some really small crowds! This could be my year!

LOL

I was surprised at some of what I read in that article.

England doesn't seem too friendly to struggling musicians.

Chippy should have some insights for us though?

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Sure do Craig.
It's about fire hazards. In any case I played at bars before this stuff and had to learn new techniques, (Not thrashing around). It was fun.

In any case its good for people who want to play their stuff right? Good for Venue, good for artist. What is wrong in that?

CraigMaxim wrote:
Chippy should have some insights for us though?

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chipfryer wrote:
In any case its good for people who want to play their stuff right?

Yes. It's good they are opening things up and changing the laws, well, I guess it hasn't been approved yet?

Fire Hazards huh?

I knew you'd have some insights into why this was.

Thanks!

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This means fire hazard, no bands allowed that play a hot set.
Craig ,how do you keep up on stuff like this? You make me feel like I'm living in a cave.
By the way,no smoking,,,,,,, Love that pic.

I am sooo glad the various governments think I cannot fend for myself.
It's about control and the dollar (or pound as it were).
Gee why cant these freakin suits just leave us be.
You know why they all were ties ..... right?













It's to keep the foreskin from slipping back over their eyes.

ALL small venues should be totally free of licenses AND ASCAP fees. Live music should be encouraged to the max. Also the legal drinking age should be lowered. We need to get all venues filled to capacity (there should be max occupancy laws of course) with musicians and fans alike. We need MANY MORE venues to perform at, as well as ENCOURAGE originality and creativity. There's a venue that opened up near me which is having ONLY original artists perform at. I hope they make it. What a refreshing change it would be to simply gig and play whatever you want to play...

Yup fire indeed. That and noise pollution of course since there are many, many bars in a small area in Britain, but fire the main thing.

Glen I think Craig brought this up because he can sense me slipping off the edge of Bandmix like a day old greasy uncooked fish that has no place there really

Or perhaps encouraging more Brits to bite?

I personally don't believe in max capacity laws Bob.
I don't need the government to tell me whats an unsafe environment.
I can figure that out all by myself.
Let common sense and natural selection be the rule.

Chippy, what did you do to your hands?
1. you gotta stay out of the kitchen,use a towel to smother a flame.
2. dont bite your nails so much.
3. its only money and it is what it is.
4. keep playing ,cause, it may be the only thing that counts.

Not my fingers G.
This is just an avatar in which you display something?

I can play mean finger drums however and understand that taping fingers is not only to protect them but to enhance Top/Under sounds too. Hard to explain really?

Dampers kinda.

Actually I love playing finger drums.

GLENJ wrote:Chippy, what did you do to your hands?
1. you gotta stay out of the kitchen,use a towel to smother a flame.
2. dont bite your nails so much.
3. its only money and it is what it is.
4. keep playing ,cause, it may be the only thing that counts.