Quote from Kim Howells in the "The Stage"


Some of the more unhelpful rumours that have been circulating (and which I see everyday in correspondence from members of parliament writing on behalf of concerned constituents) relate to live music performances that might be licensable under the new regime. I therefore categorically state that the following will not be licensable:

1) church bell ringers practising and the testing of equipment in a music shop - but not demonstrations of new equipment by a paid artists??

2) studio recording sessions and rehearsals at a practice studio or in a private house (to which the general public are not admitted) haven't heard this one

3) school concerts where the general public are not admitted n
music lessons - what about admission charges and who is not General public?? - Parents and teachers relations???

4) singing 'happy birthday' in a restaurant - As this has been done under the current restictions what changes have been made to stop a recurrence?

5) musicians paid to perform at a private party - including a wedding - for which those attending are not charged and to which
the general public are not admitted. wasn't sure about this

I have sought here to address the most ridiculous claims made by whose who purport to be campaigning on behalf of musicians but who are in fact diverting them from the more realistic and positive
aspects of the bill.


It's great to hear all the above exemptions - if only Kim would tell us where to find them and not add so many provisos, "as long as, if they don't etc" and as long as he's on the bench when prosicutions are brought - so he can exlain what he meant and not what he wrote......