The Live Music Bill has been passed unopposed by the House of Commons; the final stage of the process is for the Bill to be rubber stamped by Lords owing to an amendment in the Commons at committee stage. According to Liberal democrat MP Don Foster (pictured), who introduced the private member’s bill, this next stage, to be held on 10 February, is “a minor hurdle”.

 

Originally proposed during the last parliament, the Bill aims to facilitate varying levels of regulation depending on whether the live music is amplified or unamplified.

 

Unamplified music would not require a licence in a venue if no other licensable activities are taking place (with the exception of late night food) and the music takes place between 8am and 11pm on the same day. Meanwhile, amplified music would not require a licence if the music takes place between 8am and 11pm on the same day, the performance is to no more than 200 persons, and the venue is a workplace as defined in regulation 2(1) of the Workplace (Healthy, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. In addition, conditions relating to live music may be added to a premise licence for alcohol under the regular review process.

 

Last month it was announced that the Bill had the full support of the Local Government Association – read about it here.