That such red tape has stifled the provision of live music in small venues is irrefutable.
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/feargal--sharkey-the-act-killing-live-music-2083883.html


But the bill's opponents maintain there is no problem with the current licensing situation. Chris White, chairman of the Local Government Association's culture, tourism and sport board, said he thought it was "a very ignorant bill", adding ...that "the case that there is a problem with live music has not been made"
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/28970/private-members-bill-seeks-to-relax-live