http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?storycode=66481

The following from the above.

Is the consultation for exemptions for small gigs an acknowledgement that the original legislation has hampered live music in pubs?

No. If you look at the facts we've actually increased the amount of live music that's taking place.


But not in pubs
...

Well in venues. Applications for live music has gone up.


So why are you having this consultation?

Because we have been asked to do that. We have said we are not complacent about things.

We had the Live Music Forum and the recommendations that came from that. We decided to have a look at what could be done. On the counter side to that you have LACORS and the local authorities who have got a view on effects on residents. And I really wanted to bring it to a head to make sure we get the right results.

The good news for me is these bodies are talking to each other so I hope we can move as quickly as we can to a licensing reform order, which will give us what people want which is an increased number.


How likely is it that you will extend the exemption to 200?

Well I stated in the debate that was the figure that was put to me. But one of the thing that has concerned me in this whole debate is there are declared views from all sides and then the finger pointed at government.I think what I need to do, but haven't done is brokered discussion between the chair of LACORS and the Musicians Union. The live music guys have come to me and said 200, everybody wants it, it's not an issue. But Lacors say it is an issue. They both agree they want to promote live music.

To me I want to get to the end of the consultation process and try to get the decision as soon as we can after that. The route we've taken with the licensing reform order means we don't get caught up with the general election.

So it will come in before the election?

No, I don't think it will necessarily come in before the election. If we have got the timescale right then it could do. But this process gives us the opportunity for it not to be lost. That's why I've called for all party agreement on this, if we can maintain that momentum then we can get it through.