A new register of public spaces with a license for public entertainment has been established to assist touring arts organisations such as street arts companies. The register, set up by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), lists sites that are licensed to hold events such as concerts, plays, circuses and farmers markets. Its aim is to enable performers and event organisers to identify where they can stage an event without applying for a temporary event notice themselves, though they will still need to get permission to hold the event from the relevant local authority.
Licensing Minister, Shaun Woodward, said, Im encouraging local authorities to license buildings and open spaces in their cities, towns and villages for a range of activities and then to ensure everyone knows where they are by putting them on this register. So far 106 local authorities have entries on the register. The DCMS has also published the findings of an independent review of the new licensing system, which has identified a significant increase in costs for local authorities and for venues in complying with the licensing legislation, introduced in 2005. The Independent Licensing Fees Review Panel has recommended that fees should be increased by 7% for the three years from April 2007 and that local authorities should be enabled to set their own fee levels for large entertainment events. The Government is expected to respond shortly.
Published: 12-02-2007