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Attempts by the music industry to influence the Licensing Bill have foundered, as Liberal Democrat Peers have withdrawn their support for a Conservative amendment which would have seen the introduction of an exemption from licensing requirement for small events.

Last minute Government concessions for Morris dancing and for some unamplified live music are thought to have swung the vote. The Government has also pledged to review the operation of the new regime 6-12 months after a transition period, and to set up a live music forum to promote the take-up of live music permissions. The transition period will last about a year, during which time the old and new regimes will run in parallel and the ?two in a bar? exemption from licensing that operates at present will continue. After that, all venues other than public places of religious worship that have not applied for a licence to present live music will lose their automatic right to do so.

The Musicians Union (MU), which has been the most outspoken opponent of the so-called ?none in a bar? rule, has issued a statement giving its view of the latest amendment to the Bill, which now is almost certain to be given Royal Assent later this month. ?In place of the exemption the Government produced a rather complicated concession for live music in pubs and other places primarily used for the supply and consumption of alcohol. The music would still be illegal unless licensed. However, the only licence conditions allowed would be those deemed necessary for public safety, or crime and disorder. Conditions relating to noise or protection of children from harm would be held in abeyance, but could apply if a review of the licence became necessary due, say, to complaints from local residents.? The MU has also pointed out that the latest Government concessions give rise to some serious anomalies: ?? a string quartet concert in a library would be illegal unless licensed, but a performance of folk dance with unamplified live music would be exempt. Bars, pubs, restaurants and anywhere else licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises will still need a licence to host unamplified performance, although no licence conditions may be imposed initially if licensees ?tick the box? for unamplified live music. Such performance is not allowed between midnight and 8am. This dispensation would be subject to review if there were noise problems.? The MU will shortly be publishing a full explanation of the Licensing Act 2003 live music provisions and their implications on its website at http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk