Consultation – further deregulation of entertainment licensing

The Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) has launched a consultation on the implementation of reforms to deregulate further types of regulated entertainment via a Legislative Reform Order. The consultation anticipates that the changes could come into force as early as April 2014. Proposals

1. Cross-activity exemptions

   The following will not be regulated between 08.00-23.00 with no audience limitations:

   • entertainment activities held by, or on behalf of, local authorities on their own premises;
   • entertainment activities held by, or on behalf of, hospitals and schools on their own premises; and
   • entertainment activities that are part of nursery provision on non-domestic premises.

2. Live music

   A performance of live amplified music in alcohol licensed premises or in a workplace will not be regulated where the entertainment takes place between 08.00-23.00 and the audience consists of up to 500 persons. (The current audience limit is 200 persons).

3. Recorded music

   Any playing of recorded music in alcohol licensed premises will not be regulated where the entertainment takes place between 08.00-23.00 and the audience consists of up to 500 persons.

4. Live and recorded music exemptions

   The following events will not be regulated for live and recorded music between 08.00-23.00, where the audience consists of up to 500 people:

   • activities held on local authority premises;
   • activities held on hospital and school premises; and
   • activities held in community premises.
5. Circuses  Tented circuses will not be regulated in respect of live music, recorded music, indoor sports and any performance of a play or dance that takes place between 08.00-23.00. There is no audience limit to this exemption.
6. Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling will not be regulated between 08.00-23.00. There is no audience limit to this exemption.

The consultation principally invites comments on how the proposed deregulatory measures will work i.e. it is seeking views on the detail of the announced policy position. The consultation and how to respond can be found here and the closing date for responses is Tuesday 17 December 2013.