Lord Clement-Jones launches a Bill aimed at reviving live music in England and Wales

Culture, Media and Sport Spokesperson, Lord Clement-Jones has launched the Live Music Bill.

The Bill received its First Reading in the House of Lords on 15th July 2009 and is awaiting a more formal second reading sometime in the Autumn.
The Live Music Bill aims to revive live music by:
·       Creating an exemption from licences for the performance of any live music in a pub or similar venue
·       Reintroducing the rule allowing up to two performers to play live music anywhere without the need for a licence
·       Enabling hospitals, schools and colleges to perform live music without the need for licences
Commenting on the launch of his Bill, Lord Clement-Jones said:
"We were literally promised 'an explosion' of live music when the Licensing Act went through in 2003, yet the reality has been a major reduction in performances in the small venues which are so important to new artists.
"This Bill will provide crucial exemptions and free small venues from the bureaucracy and cost of the Act which I am sure will be of major benefit to Britain's talented musicians and the many millions of people who enjoy live music."
You can view a PDF of the Bill here.