http://www.musicliveuk.com/latest-news/the-live-music-bill

Live Music Bill 2011

The Licensing Act 2003 has caused significant problems for the live music scene when it came into force in 2005. It meant that venues wanting to put on live music had to apply for a licence to do so and has been blamed for the decline in music venues. This has meant there are fewer places for musicians to play due to the unnecessary bureaucracy. It was introduced due to the suggestion that live music and social disorder are linked. The cost of applying for a licence meant that many venues decided against live music altogether.