The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #86679 Message #1789006
Posted By: The Shambles
21-Jul-06 - 07:09 AM
Thread Name: Affected by The Licensing Act 2003
Subject: RE: Affected by The Licensing Act 2003
The following from Hamish Birchall
BBC Radio 4 'Today' reported this morning (20 July 2006) on research in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital that is providing hard evidence of the healing effect of live music. The hospital has been providing regular live music for patients and staff for some years, on wards and in the main public areas. It was also the location for a special study on the effect of live music and art. See BBC online article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/health/5194884.stm
'Listen again' to the Today programme (scroll down to 7.24am - you will need Real Player):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/
The hospital held a public entertainment licence for the public concerts under the old regime. However, in London at least, local authorities could and did waive the fee where entertainment was for a charitable, educational or like purpose. I believe that was the case for the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (I am awaiting confirmation).
By contrast, under the new regime, the hospital is no longer eligible for this fee waiver. According to the licensing department at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the hospital paid £635 for its new live music and dance licence and will also pay annual fees of £350. The mandatory public advertisement of their application in local papers for 28 days would have been an additional cost. The licence covers entertainment in the ground floor 'Mall' and second floor performance area. The status of live music on wards is uncertain.
The council has imposed two conditions: a limit of 185 persons on the second floor performance area, and prior sight of seating plans which must be adhered to. Both these health and safety measures could and should have been implemented under separate legislation. The statutory Guidance that accompanies the Licensing Act warns local authorities not to duplicate provision available under separate legislation.
While Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is required to hold an entertainment authorisation by its local authority, Barts Hospital has been allowed to provide regular, publicly advertised, high-profile performances of live music under the incidental exemption.
ENDS