The Stage

Showbusiness prepares for licence chaos

Published Wednesday 27 July 2005 at 15:20 by Alistair Smith

Britain’s entertainment industry is bracing itself for the introduction of one the most unpopular, confusing and potentially devastating pieces of government legislation it has had to face for a generation, which could leave all sectors in a state of chaos.

If permit applications under the new Licensing Act are not made before the August 6 deadline, theatres could be left without a bar and music venues without an entertainment licence when the new law comes into effect on November 24. Confusion over applications could also leave touring circuses unable to pitch and pubs without music.

So far, only half of all licensable premises in the UK have applied for the new authorisation and senior members of the theatre, music and circus communities have warned that unless the industries come to terms with the legislation, there will be disastrous results. This has been reiterated by local authorities, with council officials conceding that they are deeply concerned by the low number of applications they have so far received.

Ray Daynes, advisor on the legislation for the UK’s two largest theatre operators, Clear Channel Entertainment and Ambassador Theatre Group, warned: “I think it’s going to be absolute and utter chaos. Some theatres will be forced to run without a bar, there will be a lot of problems and a lot of people panicking and realising they’ve done nothing about it.”

All pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and theatres must apply to their local council for the new licences. These will grant a free entertainment permit to venues applying for an alcohol licence by August 6, regardless of when their current permit expires. Businesses that do not will lose their so-called ‘grandfather’ rights and will have to reapply for permission to host live entertainment, a process that many fear will be both complicated and costly. Venues that do not have a licence in November will face prosecution if they continue to trade.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport believes that 51% of premises have so far applied for licence renewals. However, the Local Government Association quotes the figure at around 40%. The level is even lower in the West End, with only 26% of venues in Westminster and Camden having submitted their applications. In Blackpool, the council believes that 30% to 40% of venues hosting live entertainment have sent in requests.

Despite this, licensing minister James Purnell has insisted that the new legislation will be beneficial for those working in entertainment. He said: “The Licensing Act will help our live music and arts scene to thrive. It makes it easier to put on events, which is good for performers, good for audiences and good for promoters. But in order to reap the benefits, every venue which serves hot food after 11pm, sells alcohol or puts on public entertainment must apply for a new licence by August 6 or run the risk of being prosecuted when the new laws come in.”

The Musicians’ Union, which has been campaigning and sending leaflets out to its members, encouraging them to push venues to meet the deadline, has said that it is “cautiously optimistic” that most places regularly hosting live music will apply in time.

The union’s assistant general secretary Horace Trubridge explained: “The feedback we are getting is that the venues that put on live music regularly are getting their applications in. The worry is more the venues that put it on occasionally. None of us can be entirely sure of the figures. We have done everything we can to assist the government and if the act doesn’t work, we will be the first knocking on their door.”

Meanwhile leading figures in the circus community remain fearful that the new licensing will effectively kill off touring circus in the UK. While circuses do not have to apply before August 6, as they have no ‘grandfather’ rights to protect, it is still feared that many will fail to obtain a licence in time for November, despite a recent move from MP Peter Luff, who is seeking an exemption from the new act for circuses.

Director of Zippos Circus Martin Burton, who has been making test applications for licences for the DCMS, explained: “I’m grateful for Peter’s support but the enormous danger is that circuses, which already have their heads in the sand, will see his bill as another reason not to get a licence. The reality is the government has insisted that it will not change the legislation in the near future.”

The LGA has set up a helpline for licensees who are unsure of how to apply on 020 7072 7447