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Concerns over proposals to make performance of secular music in places of public worship licensable throughout the country (see ArtsProfessional issue 40, December 16) have led to a change of heart by the Government.
Its new Licensing Bill is to be amended so that places of public worship across England and Wales will not need a licence to put on entertainment performances of any kind. Dr Kim Howells MP, the Minister responsible for the Bill, has also announced that the Government intends to exempt village and community halls from fees associated with the provision of entertainment or entertainment facilities under the licensing regime. He said ?I recognise that church and community halls are integral to community life and provide a social hub in a great many rural and urban areas. I am determined to enable them to continue to play this essential role.?