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A major survey of venues affected by the Licensing Act 2003, which is due to come into force next year, has uncovered widespread ignorance about the implications of the legislation. Over 75% of those questioned in the MORI survey claimed to have little or no knowledge about the changes to music and performance licensing the Act will introduce.

The survey, commissioned by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), was designed to establish a baseline of current live music activity in England and Wales. It reveals a picture of widespread musical activity in pubs, clubs and student unions, with almost half of the venues questioned having staged live acts in the past twelve months and a further 35% claiming they would probably stage events in the near future. However, there is a significant lack of awareness about the Act and the implications it carries for licensees and the staging of live music. Of the venues questioned, 46% knew nothing at all about the Act and 33% knew only a little. Of those who claimed at least some knowledge of the Act, less than half were able to name any of its key elements. Unsurprisingly, three-quarters of licensees felt that they have not been told enough about the possible impacts of the Licensing Act, with over half of those questioned feeling local authorities should be ?doing more? to explain the Act?s implications.

The Licensing Act, which received Royal Assent in July, is designed to bring together legislation governing all aspects of alcohol and music licensing. Significantly, it will end the infamous ?two in a bar? rule which allowed pubs and restaurants to stage live music, without applying for a specific licence as long as there were no more than two musicians performing at any one time. Venues wishing to stage live music will now be required to apply for a single performance and alcohol licence. Applications for licences can be made from February 2005 with the law coming into full effect by the end of next year.
Keith Ames, Communications Official of the Musician?s Union, said, ?The survey confirms the importance of live music nationwide and the vital role it plays in generating work for British musicians? We must, however, ensure that licensees, promoters and events organisers are fully informed as to the opportunities available under the new legislation and it appears there is a need for an informative communications process which advises licensees as to the Act?s requirements.?

The survey, which was based on data drawn from 1,600 venues nationally, will provide a benchmark to measure the impact of the Act on live music as it comes into effect over the next two years. The findings of the survey, which will be published in full later this month, will now be used as the basis for the activity of the government?s Live Music Forum which was established earlier this year. Designed to promote the performance of live music and evaluate the impact of the Licensing Act, the forum is chaired by Feargal Sharkey and includes representatives from the music industry, Arts Council England, local authorities, and Government.