The Government’s 2003 Licensing Act means live musical performances must have a licence or the organisers risk criminal prosecution.
Heather Kidd said: “The Government’s stubborn refusal to accept the recommendations of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee that licensing be relaxed for live music is short-sighted and illiberal. Live music used to be at the core of our society. But it’s harder for someone to play the piano in a bar now than it was in 1899. We should be supporting small venues not strangling them with red tape. More live music in our pubs would mean more punters and fewer pubs closing.”
“Heather continued “His Bill is the only chance to change the law before the general election and breathe new life in to the live music scene. I challenge the Government to explain why they will not support it.”