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Live Music Bill moves to the Commons
By CMU Editorial | Published on Thursday 11 February 2010
The Lib Dem’s main culture spokesman Don Foster has agreed to represent the previously reported Live Music Bill, being championed by liberal lord Tim Clement-Jones, in the House Of Commons.
As previously reported, the private members bill, which proposes a load of industry-supported changes to the 2003 Licensing Act regarding the staging of live music in smaller venues, has been working its way through the House Of Lords. It was passed by them on Tuesday, and presented to the Commons on the same day, with Foster agreeing to promote the proposals to the elected chamber.
The Bill should get a proper hearing in the Commons in March. It’s unusual for private member’s bills to actually become law, given the government – who have already rejected some of Clement-Jones’ proposals following its own review of licensing rules – have the automatic majority vote in the Commons.
And, of course, this, like the Digital Economy Bill, which has also been working its way through the Lords recently, is on a very tight deadline before Gordie Brown calls a General Election and parliament shuts down for the big vote. Though it is conceivable some of the Live Music Bill might be included in the pre-Election wheeling and dealing that goes on in parliament as the government quickly tries to get legislation through before being banished to the opposition benches.
Meanwhile, ahead of Tuesday’s passing of the Bill by the Lords, Clement-Jones told CMU: “The government’s stubborn refusal to accept the recommendations of the Culture, Media And Sport [parliamentary] Select Committee that licensing be relaxed for live music is short-sighted and illiberal. Live music used to be at the core of our society. But it’s harder for someone to play the piano in a bar now than it was in 1899. We should be supporting small venues not strangling them with red tape. More live music in our pubs would mean more punters and fewer pubs closing. My bill is the only chance to change the law before the General Election and breathe new life in to the live music scene. I challenge the government to explain why they will not support it”.
