Live Music Act 2012 comes into force

The Live Music Act 2012 comes into force today, removing red tape for smaller venues which want to host live music events.

The Act means that venues in England and Wales with a capacity of under 200 people will no longer need a licence for live music performances, allowing live music to be played between the hours of 08:00 and 23:00.

UK Music, which represents the music industry, estimates that the Live Music Act could enable 13,000 more venues to start holding live music events.

Jo Dipple, Chief Executive of UK Music says, “The Act, as we had hoped, has a potentially huge impact on the live music scene.  The purpose of this legislation is to encourage more live music performances. Small venues will no longer have to apply to their local authority to stage live music. The Act will mean that the staging of live music will be cheaper and easier for venues up and down the country. 

This act will reverse the damaging effect the Licensing At had on live musical performances in the UK. Reversing overzealous licensing regulations will create new opportunities for British artists.”

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UK Music has been an active supporter of the Act, responding to consultations, commissioning research and lobbying government.  BASCA is a member of UK Music.