Licensing consultation announced!

Subject: RE: Licensing consultation announced!
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 09:13 AM

http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/consultations/condoc_exemptsmall_livemusicevents.pdf

The following questions are from the above PDF. Can a potential bias be detected in a document where only those in disagreement have to provide their reasons?

Question 1: Do you agree that the exemption should be limited to performances held wholly inside a permanent building? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 2: Do you agree that the exemption should be limited to performances of live music for not more than 100 people? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 3: Do you agree that audiences for exempt performances should be accommodated entirely within the building where the performance is taking place? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 4: Do you agree that exempt performances should not take place between 11pm and 8am? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 5: Do you agree that there should be an exclusion process as set out above? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 6: Do you agree that the exclusion process should be similar to the current review process, with the modifications proposed? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 7: Do you agree that licensed premises that qualify for the proposed exemption should have to apply through the Minor Variations process to remove licence conditions that apply to the exempt live music performance? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 8: Do you agree that this proposal cannot be achieved by non-legislative means? Yes/No. If No, please explain why

Question 9: Do you agree that the effect of the proposal is proportionate to the policy objective? Yes/No? If No, please explain why.

Question 10: Do you agree that the proposal, taken as a whole, strikes a fair balance between the public interest and the interests of any person adversely affected by it? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 11: Do you agree that the proposal does not remove any necessary protection? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 12: Do you agree that the proposal does not prevent any person from continuing to exercise any right or freedom which that person might reasonably expect to continue to exercise? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 13: Do you agree that the proposal has no constitutional significance? Yes/No. If No, please explain why.

Question 14: Do you broadly agree with the estimates, assumptions and conclusions of the Impact Assessment (published as a separate document, and available alongside this consultation on the DCMS website at http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/6499.aspx.)? Yes/ No. If not, please say which estimate you disagree with, and provide any evidence that supports an alternate estimate.

Question 15: Do you think that this draft Order accurately reflects the proposed change?

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Subject: RE: Licensing consultation announced!
From: Carol
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 09:05 AM

Great news

Subject: RE: Licensing consultation announced!
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:51 AM

The reason why there is so much opposition to even this modest proposal and why it is only announced on the last day of 2009, is that in order for even one person to be exempted, this means that the Government accepts that other existing legislation is adequate to ensure the public's safety etc. without the need for any expensive and cumbersome additional entertainment permission.

The local government lobby still try to maintain (as their jobs rely on it) that this additional entertainment permission is the only way the public can be protected. This, even when so much live music took place perfectly safely under the old 'two-in-a-bar' rule, which this lobby advised the Government to scrap, on introduction of the Licensing Act 2003.

Remember also that all that is being proposed, is only yet further consultation.

http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1039509&c=1

Live music performances for 100 people or less will no longer need to be licensed, under proposals announced today by licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

An exemption from the Licensing Act for small live music events would make it easier for a wide range of venues to put on live music, and help musicians who want to play to a live audience.

Sutcliffe says, "Going to see a band, musician or singer is a very important part of many people's lives and we're keen to do what we can to support audiences and musicians."

He believes and exemption for venues with 100 people or less would benefit many small venues, particularly unlicensed premises such as village halls and cafes, which may currently be put off by licensing requirements."

However, he is also proposing that the exemption can be revoked at individual premises if there have been problems with noise, nuisance or disorder and to ensure concerns of people living close to venues are taken into account, the exemption would only apply to performances that take place between 8am and 11pm.

British Beer and Pub Association director of pub and leisure Martin Rawlings says, "The BBPA welcomes any measures that can help pubs overcome existing barriers to putting on live music, helping aspiring and established musicians to reach audiences while at the same time boosting business, particularly during these difficult economic times."

Subject: RE: Licensing consultation announced!
From: Rasener
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:37 AM

100 fine by me, as thats what our safe figure is

Subject: RE: Licensing consultation announced!
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:25 AM

http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1039509&c=1

Subject: Licensing consultation announced!
From: GUEST,The Shambles
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:19 AM

The Department of Culture Media and Sport have just announced a proposal to exempt small live music events from the Licensing Act 2003. Your input to this consultation is vital, if it is to succeed in finally freeing grass roots live music in England and Wales from the red tape which continues to strangle it.   

http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/6499.aspx

The Government have ignored previous reccomendations for the exemption to apply in premises with a safe capaicity of less than 200
and are proposing only a figure of 100. They have indicated that should the consultation show support for the higher figure, this may be considered.

There will be considerable opposition to even this modest proposal.

Please contribute to this process and inform others? Many Thanks