Live Music Bill Becomes Law

The Live Music Bill made the UK statute book March 8, although it won’t actually come into force until autumn.

It means venues in England and Wales with capacities of less than 200 will no longer need local authority permission to stage bands between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

“For a Private Members’ Bill to receive Royal Assent is a monumental achievement, even more so for one that is introduced in the House of Lords,” said UK Music chief exec Jo Dipple.

She praised the efforts of Liberal peer Lord Clement-Jones, who introduced the bill in the Lords, and Bath MP Don Foster, who guided its passage through the House Of Commons.

Dipple also said the global success of the UK live music industry is dependent on a flourishing network of small venues, where tomorrow’s headliners can learn their craft and develop careers.

The new law supersedes the Licensing Act of 2003, which led to many venues shying away from live music because of the cost and red tape involved in obtaining the license.