Pub industry welcomes progress of Live Music Bill

By Peter Ruddick

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Live music House of lords

Live music in pubs could become easier after the Live Music Bill made progress through parliament
Live music in pubs could become easier after the Live Music Bill made progress through parliament
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and publicans have welcomed the latest passage of the Live Music Bill through parliament in it's progress to possibly becoming law and making it easier for venues to put on live music.

The Private Members Bill which was launched in the House of Lords by the Liberal Democrat peer Lord Clement-Jones in July 2010 aims to amend the Licensing Act 2003 and cut some of the bureaucracy which pubs encounter when they host live music performances.

Currently venues that hold 200 people or fewer have to obtain a licence for live music before 11pm.

Music to BBPA's ears

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds welcomed the news that the bill had passed the report stage in the House of Commons.

“This really is music to our ears. Pubs are where live music begins – and for years, we’ve been saying that many of the regulations surrounding it are unnecessary – they have prevented publicans from making the most of Britain’s pubs as the place where live music acts first get a foothold. Well done to MPs for voting this through," she said.

Music without the red tape

Pubs have also been celebrating the progress of the bill which will now need to return to the House of Lords before becoming law. Representatives from the Michelin-starred Pony and Trap pub in Bristol took to Twitter to say: "This will mean pubs can put on live music without the red tape."

"It's really good news for the industry," they added.

ALMR backing

The proposed legislation has received support from MPs of all parties and received Government backing in September last year.

Ahead of the developments in Parliament the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) were calling on MPs to back the bill.

Kate Nicholls, strategic affairs director at the ALMR said, "The potential benefits from the Bill becoming law are vast – both culturally and economically.It will free venues from burdensome red tape and create diversity of service and offer, helpingto boost trade and sustain viability. More pubs could play a vital part in their community by being able to host young up‐and‐coming bands and artists."

Last month BigHospitality reported that new academic research suggested loud music could actually help bar and pub sales​.

Related news

Show more