Equity campaigns for more performances in pubs

Actors’ union Equity has launched a campaign to encourage pubs and similar venues to put on more live entertainment, and persuade those that do not currently promote live performance to give it a try. The campaign will draw attention to the new licensing laws that make it much easier for pubs to stage live acts. Music events for which there will be 200 or fewer in the audience no longer need a licence between 8am and 11pm, and if the music is unamplified then there is no audience size restriction. Performances of plays or of dance up to an audience of 500 are also permitted without licensing. Venues that sign up to the initiative will be listed on the Equity website and asked to display a poster. The union will also be providing a guide giving further details about the licence changes and help with employing acts.

Research shows that live entertainment can increase takings, and pubs that do not feature music are three times more likely to close. Almost a quarter of publicans report an increase in takings of 25% – 50% on nights when they have music. Hilary Hadley, Equity’s Head of Live Performance, said: “We believe this is a win-win situation for our members and publicans. Pubs get more trade through people enjoying the live entertainment; the community benefits by joining together in a shared activity and Equity members get to do what they do best.”