Government reveals plans to cut community event red tape

The Government has revealed plans for community venues to be made exempt from licensing restrictions. Currently, those running eligible community events have to apply for a Temporary Event Notice at least 10 days prior to putting on every event, or apply for an entertainment licence that on average costs over £200 for new applications. The measures to deregulate plays, dance and indoor sport in venues such as community centres, schools, village halls and hospitals, will be put to Parliament in the next few weeks, with the aim of bringing the new, less bureaucratic  system into effect in England and Wales by April 2013. Robin Simpson, Chief Executive of Voluntary Arts, welcomed the deregulation, saying he hoped it would lead to more community shows: “Performances by amateur groups form a significant proportion of the cultural life of the country. In some communities amateur shows are the only available live performances.”