The Stage

Lib Dem peer promises new bill to revive live music scene

Published Wednesday 17 June 2009 at 10:55 by Lalayn Baluch

Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Lord Tim Clement-Jones has branded the government’s proposed minor variations rule for the Licensing Act 2003 a “mouse of a regulation”, which is “no substitute” for a small venues exemption.

The peer said he will bring forward a bill that will “breathe new life into our music scene”.

Lord Clement-Jones’ comments were made earlier this week during a debate in the House of Lords, when he also reiterated criticisms that licensing laws had not delivered an increase in live music.

During the debate, Labour minister for communications, technology and broadcasting Lord Carter of Barnes called for legislative reform on minor variations to be approved.

Lord Barnes said that such a rule would make it “easier, cheaper and quicker” for venues to make small changes to their licences, by cutting red tape and bureaucracy.

However, the proposals were opposed by Lord Clement-Jones, who said: “There is no doubt that today’s minor variations order is inadequate and will not deliver what we on these benches, the [Culture, Media and Sport] select committee and UK Music want to see.

“Minor variations to an existing licence are no substitute for a new small venues exemption under the act.”

Lord Clement-Jones expressed disappointment that the government was proposing such a change, without first providing an effective exemption for some performances of live music.

“The government have brought forward this mouse of a regulation when they should by now have been consulting energetically on a new exemption for live music in small venues as they promised. The absurdities of the act generally in respect of live music are manifest,” he said.

He called on the government to clearly state its intentions over live music licensing.

He was supported by Conservative peer Lord Colwyn, who said that an “outright exemption” would help meet the demands of the Musicians’ Union, former Live Music Forum and tens of thousands of musicians.

Lord Colwyn added: “With a little imagination, such an amendment could extend exemption to other premises, venues such as hospitals or schools that are not usually licensed for live music.”

Earlier this year, the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee recommended that the government liberate gigs for 200 people or fewer from licensing laws, and advised on the reintroduction of the two-in-a-bar-rule.