Public performance with even one performer requires a public entertainment licence in any premises that are not covered by the Licensing Act 1964 (unless it is part of a religious service).

For years local authorities have complained about the two-performer exemption in licensed premises (Section 182). They argued, consistently, that all public entertainment should be licensed. This is effectively what will happen in the new regime. On the other hand excessive fees and conditions, which have caused most of the problems for local gigs, should end. The Government proposed setting low licence fees centrally, and that public safety requirements should not exceed the requirements of existing safety legislation.

But it will take more than a change in the law to alter the mind-set of petty regulation that characterises some licensing departments.

But now that the Arts Council (and very recently EFDSS) has decided to take the entertainment licensing reform seriously, I believe that in time this will ensure that local gigs are treated with the respect they deserve.

Hamish