Several hundred musicians protested in Parliament Square on Monday against the Government’s new Licensing Bill. If it becomes law, this will require any venue hosting live music (even if it’s only for one night) to buy a licence. This will not only apply to actual gig venues, but to pubs, churches, schools, universities and your home, that is anywhere that musicians perform for any amount of time, whether they are paid or not. In order to obtain a licence, a venue must comply with health and safety regulations. Many smaller pubs and other venues will be unable to afford to do this and therefore will not be allowed to purchase a licence. The maximum penalty for breaking the new law is a £20,000 fine or six months in prison. This Bill could kill live music.

The Parliament Square demo was advertised as a silent protest, ‘Bring your instruments and a gag’. But people did play their instruments and start jamming with each other, which made for a much nicer atmosphere. Musicians of all types were there, from folk and classical to goth metal and new age. There were banners and placards, and a large presence of Musicians’ Union members who have been campaigning for a relaxation of licensing laws for over twenty years. After about an hour in Parliament Square everyone went to queue up outside Parliament to lobby their MPs.

This is an important campaign, not only for musicians but for pub and venue owners, music fans and anyone who has ever enjoyed live music.

For further information see:  http://www.musiclovers.ukart.com/