De-regulation to cut red tape for community events

A consultation on measures to remove unnecessary regulation from certain small-scale and neighbourhood events has generated largely positive responses, and the Government is now preparing to use a Legislative Reform Order to make changes to Entertainment Licensing. The reform will mean that local authorities, hospitals, schools, nurseries and tented circuses will be exempt from entertainment licensing between 8am and 11pm, with no limitation on audience size. Live amplified and recorded music in alcohol-licensed premises and workplaces will not require separate permission for entertainment between 8am and 11pm for audiences up to 500 people; the present ceiling is 200.

The changes aim to free some event organisers from the requirement to buy an entertainment licence. The Government hopes that cutting bureaucracy and cost from community entertainment activities will bolster creativity and community participation; make it easier for schools and community groups to put on cultural and sporting events; and grow the creative economy by removing burdens from small and medium sized businesses. The changes to live and recorded music specifically aim to help pubs, hotels and other hospitality businesses to diversify and reach new markets.