The UK Government ‘red tape challenge’ proposals to scrap the bureaucracy surrounding live music performances have been welcomed by the Wales Tourism Alliance.
A public consultation running until December has been launched by the Westminster government to examine the impact of deregulating live music performances under Schedule One of the Licensing Act 2003 and removing the licensing requirements which have for so long “stifled investment and creativity”.
The Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) has welcomed the proposals, calling them “a genuine attempt to free up the regulations on live music and start the cutting of un-necessary regulation.” Chris Osborne, chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance, said: “The UK Government’s pledge to deregulate the licensing of live music is a big step in the right direction. I sincerely hope that this is just the start of the cutting of the Red Tape that currently binds much of the tourism industry so tightly that it stifles both investment and creativity.”
“Removing the requirement for licensing of regulated entertainment will undoubtedly provide a real boost for the tourism industry, but it will also bring huge benefits for community groups and cultural and sporting events. Anything that helps entertainment venues can only be good news for our communities and businesses in Wales.”
Conservative peer Baroness Rawlings gave the UK Government’s consent to the bill pending assessment and consultation. If the bill eventually becomes law it will bring an end to confusing and restrictive regulation of live music events for less than 5,000 people.
Mr Osborne concluded: “This bill could be a much needed shot in the arm for local pubs, who rely on entertainment to compete with cut-priced alcohol sales in off-licences and supermarkets.”
Lord Clement-Jones who has steered the bill has previously been quoted as saying that it is all part of the “coalition agreement’s pledge to put an end to red tape and bureaucracy.”
