However, outdated stereotypes about "the industry" do raise some pertinent questions: for one, if the rest of the world perceives the UK as a musical powerhouse, why are we apparently unable to recognise what's in our own backyard? And why aren't we doing more to harness what is undoubtedly a growth sector? Especially in times of economic uncertainty. The current Licensing Act offers a case in point. Back in 2003, it was anticipated that this legislation – aimed primarily at relaxing drinking regulations – would lead to an "explosion" in live music.
The Act brought in a number of changes. The "two in a bar" rule was discontinued, while any venue wanting to put on live music events now had to receive authorisation from their local authority. That such red tape has stifled the provision of live music in small venues is irrefutable.
Under the previous government, this was a conclusion reached by eight separate consultations, two government research projects, two national review processes and a Parliamentary Select Committee report. All recommended that small venues were exempt from the licensing regime. With exquisite timing, Government announced yet another consultation on New Year's Eve 2009, and – as predicted – it was timed out with the announcement of a General Election.