The Stage

Live Music Bill close to becoming law

Published Friday 20 January 2012 at 16:14 by Natalie Woolman

The Live Music Bill, which aims to cut red tape for small gigs, is now just one step away from becoming law.

The bill had its report stage and third reading in the House of Commons earlier today, and was passed by the MPs present. This means there is only one further parliamentary stage – a final consideration of amendments – before the bill is granted royal assent and becomes law.

Aimed at altering the 2003 Licensing Act, the Live Music Bill would remove licensing requirements for small gigs and has been supported by former ITV chair Michael Grade, arts broadcaster Joan Bakewell and music industry figure Feargal Sharkey.

It was introduced as a private members’ bill by Tim Clement-Jones in the House of Lords and has been sponsored by Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Don Foster in the House of Commons. It is rare for private members’ bills to become acts of parliament.

Foster commented: “Private members’ bills are rarely passed, and it’s even rarer that they do so with the unanimous support of every MP as happened today. The current system has had a deadening effect on the performance of live music in small venues. At the moment, the landlord of a small pub could face a big fine and imprisonment for letting a customer play a piano without a licence.

“The support received this afternoon from all MPs from all political parties just goes to show how important live music is in our country and the overwhelming support for changing our obstructive licensing laws.”

He added that he thought, if the bill is passed, it would “strengthen the British music scene immensely”.