UK government announces licensing reforms

The UK’s coalition government has announced plans to reform the country’s much criticised Licensing Act to do away with the ‘red tape’ that many says stifles the development of grass roots music. The Tourism Minister, John Penrose, said that in the future only events of over 5000 people or those that sell alcohol or where there is adult entertainment will need licences with Penrose saying “the current regime makes it harder for new talent to get a chance to perform In front of audiences and imposes a deadweight cost on small businesses and voluntary bodies who want to put on shows” adding “live entertainment is a good thing: it improves our cultural life and should be encouraged, not stifled by the clammy hand of bureaucracy” promising that proper controls on alcohol, health and safety and noise nuisance would remain.