Small Gigs Being Harmed By New Licensing Laws

A government backed group headed by Undertones front man Feargal Sharkey has said small gigs are being harmed by new licensing laws.

According to The Live Music Forum local venues which stage acoustic shows are being badly affected to the changes in the law brought in in 2005.

That legislation introduced a single license covering entertainment and alcohol which was meant to ease restrictions on live music.

The forum highlighted several situations where the new law had made it difficult for venues to put on gigs.

One pub landlady was told that she would need a new license to allow a regular meeting in her establishment of folk singers.

Speaking about the issue Sharkey said: "The UK's live music scene is a massive success, but the government needs to do more to help grass roots musicians and particularly small venues.

"We believe that a pub putting on an acoustic folk trio, for example, should not need a licence. That small acoustic gig does not impact on crime, disorder or public safety so should not fall under the remit of the licensing laws."

He added: "It's these little rooms in the back of little pubs that sustain the £6 billion business known as the music industry."

Government ministers have agreed to look into the findings of the Forum.